Jesus. Sept. 16, 1823. She was in her appointment we felt in being so long de46th year. Dear Sir,-AFTER an unexpected detention of nearly four months, I am happy to inform you that we are at length favoured with a prospect of speedily embarking for our native country. My own health is improved, our dear children are all well, and though Mrs. Ellis is by no means convalescent, she is, through mercy, so far recovered as to justify, in the opinion of the physician, whose aid it has been her privilege to enjoy, our undertaking the voyage. As there is no vessel about to sail for London from the port of Boston, we are under the necessity of proceeding to New York, and shall probably leave this place in two or three days on our way thither; where, God willing, we purpose to embark on the 20th of the present month, and hope to reach England some time in the latter end of August. You will be glad to hear that God appears to be reviving his work in this section of the United States, enlarging and building up his church. Benevolent feelings are rapidly extending through the community at large, and proportionate exertions are every where making. Bible Societies, Foreign and Domestic Missionary Societies, Tract and Education Societies, receive a noble support, and advance with increasing vigour. Colleges and seminaries of learning are multiplying, and appear to enjoy the smile of heaven. In the different parts of America which I have visited, it has been highly gratifying to me to observe, in various classes, particularly in religious society, such a friendly feeling towards England, and such a desire to co-operate with all associations of good men there, in meliorating the condition of the wretched, spread ing the gospel, and promoting righteousness, peace and happiness among all the families of mankind. I cannot close this hasty communication without expressing to you the gratitude I feel for the kind and hospitable treatment we have uniformly received in America. The fervent prayers, the affectionate sympathy, the tender solicitude and unremitted attention of many dear friends, whom the Lord hath raised up for us here, have alleviated, in no small degree, Mrs. Ellis's protracted sufferings, and have contributed to her comfort under the dis tained from our endeared relatives and friends in London. It is impossible for me to name half of those who have distinguished themselves by their disinterested kindness. But I cannot omit to mention the officers and Committee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions; many of the ministers in Boston and the vicinity; Dr. J. C. Warren, whose valuable professional attentions have been constantly and gratuitously rendered; Henry Homes, Esq., John Tappan, Esq. Mrs. M'Lean, J. W. Jenkins, Esq. Deacon M'Lure, and the Hon. Samuel Hubbard. In the pious and amiable family of the latter, we have been domesticated for the last three weeks at his country house, which is situated about five miles from Boston.* Our Saviour declared, that a cup of cold water given to a disciple should not be unrewarded; I trust he will recompense these kind friends a hundred fold. Hoping, by the blessing of God, to see you soon, I remain, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely in Christ. [We are happy to announce the safe arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Ell:s. They embarked in the Hudson (new York Packet, to London) Captain Champlin, on the 20tli of July, and arrived in town on the 18th of August. The health of Mrs. Ellis has been somewhat improved by the voyage.] Extracts of a Letter from the Deputation, dated Sydney, 12th of November. (Concluded from p. 348.) Arrival at Sydney, New South Wales.Kind reception from the Members of Government, Ministers, &c. On our arrival here, we embraced the first opportunity of proceeding to Parramatta, and paying our respects to the Rev. Mr. Marsden. He and his family received us with the most marked friend * Until they removed to the countryhouse of Mr. Hubbard, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis had been comfortably accommodated in the house of Jeremiah Evart, Esq. Corresponding Secretary to the American Board for Foreign Missions. In a preceding letter, dated 16th May, 1825, Mr. Ellis says " Mrs. Ellis receives from the kind Christian friends in Boston, every attention, and alleviation of her painful situation, which Christian sympathy, humane benevolence, and skilful medical aid can bestow," ship and attention. We delivered to him the communications which we had in charge from the Society, and we continue to receive from him every affectionate and friendly attention. Mr. Marsden accompanied us to the Governor's house, and introduced us to his Excellency Sir T. Brisbane, to whom we delivered our Jetter of introduction from the Society. His Excellency received us with all that kindness and urbanity of manners which characterize him, and appeared deeply interested in our voyage, and the accounts which we gave him of the change which had taken place in the islands. We have had the honour of dining with him twice since, and have received the most marked and obliging attentions from him ever since. He enters with lively concern into the affairs of the mission in the South Seas, and kindly offers to do any thing he can to promote its welfare. The Chief Judge, the Attorney, and Solicitor-General, the Sheriff, and all the principal officers of the government have also showed us marked attentions; while the Rev. Messrs. Cowper and Hill, the two pious and worthy clergymen in Sydney, the Rev. Messrs. Erskine, Leigh, Hutchinson, and the other excellent Wesleyan ministers here, show us every possible kindness. Indeed the most lively interest through the colony appears to manifest itself towards us and the work in which we are engaged, and we are not without strong reasons for hoping that our visit to this country has been already productive of much good, and will be the means of still more. Description of Sydney and adjacent country. Every thing in this colóny very far surpasses our expectations. The town of Sydney, which is the capital, is large and handsome, and in a state of the most rapid improvement, and contains a population of about 13,000 souls. Here are two churches with tolerable congregations, and two Wesleyan chapels; also, in building, a chapel for a Scottish ministry, and a Roman Catholic chapel. The different Protestant congregations in this town however, do not amount to more than a thousand hearers; but it affords us great delight to find, that in every place the gospel is preached with great clearness and fidelity, and we hope they are not a few who have tasted that the Lord is gracious. The Wesleyan ministers have kindly opened their pulpits to Mr. Tyerinan, who has preached for them once every Lord's Day since our arrival to large congregations. Here are also Sun day Schools for children connected with all the different congregations, which are well attended-likewise a Bible and Tract Society; and a Wesleyan Missionary Society, whose cause we have had the pleasure of advocating at an_Anniversary Meeting since our arrival. In this colony and in Van Dieman's land, there are not fewer than nine clergymen in the established church, who are pious men and preach the gospel, besides one Scottish minister, and eight of the Wesleyan denomination, labouring among a population of about 40,000 souls. Though the mass of the population presents the most unfavourable aspect, yet we hope that much good is going on, while it greatly rejoices us to perceive that the best understanding exists among the ministers and professors of religion in the different denominations. The best order is seen in the town of Sydney, where we have lodgings; and great outward respect is paid to the Lord's Day-not more order and outward decency is seen in any town in England. It is our happiness to have been introduced into all the best society in the colony; and though not very extensive, yet a more intelligent, kind, and friendly society, and many of them truly pious, we could not desire. The aspect of the country, so far as we have seen, is also far beyond our expectations. Much of it is în a state of good cultivation, and well enclosed, while roads, not exceeded by the best in England, run in various directions far into the interior. This colony is, we doubt not, destined by Divine Providence to be a great nation, and is in very flourishing circumstances. An expedition lately sailed from hence to establish another settlement on the north-west coast of this vast island, which will, we hope, prepare the way for the gospel among the many islands in those remote parts. Affecting State of the Aborigines-Warm Interest excited in the Colony in their favour. On our reaching this Colony, we were much affected with the wretchedness and degradation of the Aborigines of this country. On inquiry, we were informed that little had hitherto been attempted to ameliorate their condition. From the moment of our arrival, we seized every opportunity to excite a corresponding feeling in the minds of others; and we have now the happiness to see among all classes a more powerful feeling in their behalf than has ever been known, and all seem to be anxious to do something for them. His Excellency the Governor wrote to us, to request our opinions as to the best means of improving their condition; and we wrote him our views, and strongly recommended, among other things, that an attempt should be made among some of the tribes which are the most stationary, by means of suitable Missionaries, to teach them, through the medium of their own language, the great truths of the gospel, as the most likely means of effecting both their conversion and their civilization. His Excellency signified his approbation of our sentiments, while the Attorney and the Solicitor General, and others high in office, as well as the ministers, and others of different denominations, concurred in our views, and all were anxious to make the attempt. Intended new Settlement at Moreton offered to do any thing in his power to promote the object, and to contribute to the comfort of Mr. T. It met with the same approbation from the ministers and private Christians of the different denominations, and every thing in providence concurred to convince us that it was the will of God that Mr. T. should devote himself to this great work, and that without any injury to the cause in the South Seas. We cannot but see the hand of Providence in this matter, and entertain a hope that He has mercy in store for these the most abject of our fellow-creatures. Though this country is but thinly peopled by natives, in comparison with its vast extent, yet they are very numerous-not fewer, it is calculated, than three millions. We felt much delicacy in acting in this baBay-siness, lest it should have been thought that we were obtruding upon the province of others; but as all the ministers, both of the Episcopalian and Wesleyan denominations had expressed a wish that we would join them, and furnish a missionary, we were entirely relieved from our fears, and felt no difficulty in the way of devoting our worthy friend and brother, Mr. Threlkeld, to this important work, which, we trust, will meet with the decided approbation of our brethren in the Direction, and be a fresh stimulus to additional exertion among the friends of Missions.* Mr. Threlkeld consents to go there as a What rendered the immediate attempt to do something the more necessary, was, the Governor had sent an expedition to Moreton Bay, a place north of Port Jackson, on the east coast of New Holland, in lat. 27 deg. with a view to the establishing a new settlement there; and this expedition returned, and brought information that the natives there are very numerous, and a finer race of people than those about Sydney: and, as the Settlement was to be immediately commenced, it seemed of the greatest importance, if possible, that a missionary should be sent at the same time, whose presence and influence might prevent those innumerable evils which usually occur between the natives and the settlers.-But where was the missionary?-It will be recollected that Mr. Threlkeld had come with us from the Islands here, on his way to England, in order to repair the loss which he had sustained by the death of Mrs. Threlkeld. Providentially he was led to a suitable young person here, to whom he is now married. He therefore had given up his voyage to England, and was going to retorn again to the Islands. Under these circumstances it occurred to us, that, if Mr. Threlkeld would direct his views to the Aborigines of this country, he would be a most suitable missionary, both from his talents and his experience in missionary work, to make the desired attempt. We proposed it to him, and it met his decided approbation, and he expressed his entire willingness to go any where that we might wish, so that he might be useful in the best of canses. We mentioned the sub ject to the Governor, who expressed himself as highly pleased with it, and kindly Invaluable Services of the Rev. Mr. He Of the Rev. Mr. Marsden, we feel ourselves gratified in speaking in the highest terms. It is to his zeal and perseverance, under circumstances the most gloomy and discouraging, that the continuance of the Tahitian Mission is to be attributed. deserves the most cordial thanks of the Society for his indefatigable and continued attention to that Mission; but we are aware that its members will know how to appreciate his services, and therefore enlargement on our part is quite unnecessary. Conclusion. We are now waiting a suitable opportunity of proceeding to China. The present is an unsuitable period of the year; but should there be a ship about the middle of December, we hope we shall not be detained longer from discharging the duties which we owe to the regions * In subsequent letters received from the Colony, it appears that Mr. Threlkeld will not be stationed at Moreton Bay, but at a place called Reid's Mistake, situated on the sea-coast, about 40 miles from Sydney. of India. We wish, if possible, to sail direct for Macoa, where we hope to meet Dr. Morrison, and then to visit Singapore, India, &c. Our continuance, here, however, is not time lost to the best of causes; we hope important effects will result from our visit to this Colony. Present our cordial Christian love to all our worthy Brethren the Directors; and request for us a continued interest in their most fervent prayers. May you and they enjoy the constant presence of the great Head of the Church, and the Society continue to flourish as the rose. Adieu, dear and beloved friend and brother, praying that your health may be continued, and your life long spared to the church of God, and to that Society we rejoice to serve. We remain, your friends and brethren, with great esteem and affection, in the bonds of the Gospel, (Signed) DANIEL TYERMAN. GEORGE BENNET. EAST INDIES. VIZAGAPATAM. Ar this station eight Native Schools have been established, in which nearly 300 children are instructed in the principles of Christianity. The New Testament has been translated into Teloogoo, and a version of the Old Testament, in the same language, is in progress. The former has been long in circulation among the natives, and its contents have been repeatedly explained to many of them. The brethren, however, deeply lament that they are unable to name a single Hindoo, who, as the fruit of their labours, has decidedly renounced his superstitions, and cordially embraced the Christian religion. This acknowledgment is creditable to the candour of the missionaries, and must tend to excite in their behalf a deeper interest among the members of the Society, especially when it is stated that their labours have been prosecuted under much bodily weakness and affliction, as well as in the face of very painful discouragements, arising from the apathy of the people. A perusal of the letter will, we doubt not, prove to the Christian reader a sufficient incitement to a compliance with the request of its concluding paragraph. Letter of Messrs. Gordon and Dawson, Missionaries at Vizagapatam, dated Jan. 5, 1825; addressed to the Secretary. Reverend and Dear Sir,-WE enclose our annual account of the state of this Mission in answer to the Queries proposed by the Directors, by which you will perceive pects; and, by comparing them with those how we proceed, together with our prosbut you have a simple, faithful statement of last year, you will see nothing flattering, of our affairs. A small increase in the school department, together with an advance in the translation, is all we can enumerate. For that which does not exist we cannot, dare not write. Impediments to Missionary Success resulting from the want of Piety among the European residents. cr Were the European residents here to come out and be separate," some would be influenced to pay attention to your Missionaries, and would, consequently, be in the way of hearing truth. One principal impediment to our progress is, the unholy lives of those called Christians. We are frequently asked by the Natives, while addressing them, "Does Mr. believe that? Why don't you make your own people better?" A shrewd individual in one of the public offices here, said to one of us lately, "My Master did not want you while he lived, but only after his death." There are none so decided in their attachment to truth or Christian principles as to be employed either as preachers, catechists, or assistants in our work; there are, indeed, some whom we might engage, and who have applied for the purpose, but we have not sufficient reason to think that they are attached to the truth. Our hearers are not numerous,twelve, fifteen, or twenty, are equal to three or four thousand in a Christian land; of those who come we can say but little of their attendance; for it is common for them to be seen conversing together, or engaged in some other trifling way. And what can we say, they have no principles to which we can appeal, nor have we any authority to plead, or exercise; patience, perseverance, and meekness must supply their place. Nor have we any thing around us by which we might animate the Christian church in their work and labour of love; and we cannot help feeling as though it would be long before our desert begins to bloom-indeed, it appears as if our whole life, health, and strength would be spent in making a beginning; but we do hope that something may yet be done, the foundation of which will clearly be laid, by following up the schools with energy-the people have too long been accustomed to idols and vanity to submit to instruction upon other principles. With the rising generation we have evidently to do, and to these we must look as the seed of a church of Christ in India. In this work we feel no disposition to relax or spare ourselves, and can (we trust) appeal to the Searcher of hearts, that we have not the least desire to live here, but to promote the honour of Christ in the good of this people. The Native Schools. We were favonred with your letter of Oct. 6, 1823, and its duplicate in the months of September and October, by which we were informed of the resolution of the Directors to grant 501. per annum on account of schools. This we shall draw on the Society's agents from this time, and hope, through the blessing of God, to extend our schools to some places around us in the course of the year; yet we have to mourn the lack of proper assistants in the capacity of schoolmasters. This is a sad hindrance to us. We are obliged to employ the heathen in this work; and to keep up Christian discipline, together with Christian education, by such agents, demands the utmost vigilance, wisdom, and patience, and makes daily and hourly watching over them absolutely necessary. The brethren at Madras have commenced an Institution by which the design of preparing suitably qualified teachers may be matured. This establishment embraces (we are informed) the Teloogoo; if so, we may hope, at no very distant period, to have suitable help, which, with that of some of those under our own eye, whom we daily look upon with trembling anxiety, may one day become useful auxiliaries in our work. * English Services. on Respecting our engagements among the Europeans, besides two public services on the Sabbath, and one on Wednesday evening, which have not (we trust) been altogether in vain, we have Monday evening (except when the Missionary Prayer-Meeting is held) a conference among those who are inquiring about those things which concern their peace; on Tuesday evening a sort of catechetical lecture with the youth, when a subject given the preceding Tuesday evening is considered; on Wednesday public service; on Friday evening an exposition at the house of the commanding officer of * After the Teloogoo. the garrison, which is open, and friends are invited; besides which, the house of one of us is open every evening for family worship, when a portion of Scripture is explained, &c. on which many occasionally attend. There are some, of whom we hope well, who appear to be decided in the cause of Christ; but Indian society is so very fluctuating, the parade of heathenism is so very dazzling, the influence of corruption so very powerful, the human heart so very deceitful, that, notwithstanding all, there are many discouragements and fears attached to our fondest expectations. Late Prevalence of the Epidemic. Conclusion, The epidemic, which has been so prevalent through India, did not allow us to escape, the effect of which is generally great debility, and nervous affections follow; when your letters came to hand, such were our feelings, that, with respect to one of our number, it seemed as though the time of our final departure had almost arrived; but though the disease was of long continuance, the Lord in mercy restored, and as good a measure of health and strength as we can expect in India is at present our portion. Brethren, pray for us, we much need your prayers, and the poor people among whom we dwell. O may the Holy Spirit come down upon us this year, that we may see many with streaming eyes and broken hearts, crying, "what shall we do to be saved?" P. S. Brother D. was again afflicted during the last hot season as in former years; and in October had another serious attack of fever, which brought him very low! but the Lord was pleased to restore him; and the weather being then favourable, he recovered much sooner than on any former occasion. He assures the Directors, that nothing but an increasing deemer at the station to which they sent desire to promote the cause of the Re him, has prevented his applying to be removed to a climate where he might enjoy better health. MEDITERRANEAN. GREEK MISSION. Extracts from a Letter and Journal of Rev. S. S. Wilson, dated Malta, 11th April, 1825; addressed to the Secretary. Dear Sir,-By my short letter from Hydra, you would learn that I had under |