RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. Abstract of the Report of the Directors to the London Missionary Society, May 12, 1802. THE labours of the Directors, during the past year, have been chiefly employed in the cultivation of Missionary Principles,* the diffusion of Missionary Intelligence; and the keeping up a correspondence with the Missions already established. In consequence of the paucity of Missionaries, the Directors recommended to the last General Meeting, "that prayer be made to the great Head of the Church for an addition of promising and faithful Missionaries." They have also composed and circulated "An Address to Missionaries and private Christians in this Country;" urging the necessity of an increased number of Missionaries. In addition to this, they have addressed a letter to the tutors and students in many of the British seminaries, for the purpose of exciting their attention to the high command of our Lord-"Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." An address to foreign societies and ministers has also been drawn up and extensively circu lated. The Mission to Otaheite has always been a subject of great interest. The Directors received, about the beginning of April, letters from the Missionaries, dated 31st December, 1800. During the preceding twelve months they had been in peace, and in general had enjoyed good health. Public preaching to the inhabitants of Otaheite had not commenced, because the Missionaries were not sufficiently acquainted with the language of the country: but they had endeavoured, incidentally, to speak the Word of Life to individuals. The state of the island too, had been peaceful, although ruptures had nearly broken out several times; great preparations were, however, making for a general meeting of the heads of the islland, at which war or peace was to be finally determined on: if the former should be declared, and Pomarree and This is an expression we do not clearly understand. his son be conquered, the Missionaries feared lest they should be subjected to plunder, if not to more serious calamities. The Missionaries, in reviewing their past and present situation, conceive, that an experienced person, at the head of a body of Missionaries, might be of great service in establishing the mission at Otaheite; and also other Missions in the surrounding islands. They think, that the correspondence which Governor King, at Port Jackson, has commenced with Pomarree, is in their favour; and they hope for its continuance and increase. These letters mention the separation from their body, on account of his ill conduct, of Mr. Broomhall, who had been before useful. As the Missionaries express no great anxiety, the Directors trust, that their situation, though certainly hazardous, has not been attended with danger, especially as the Royal Admiral must have arrived at Otaheite three or four months after they wrote, and another vessel from Botany Bay, bringing a recommendation from Governor King to Pomarree to assist the Missionaries, about the same time. The Directors think these events calculated to encourage the Missionaries, and the addition of nine Missionaries by the Royal Admiral will serve to strengthen and animate them. When the Directors made their Report to the last General Meeting, of the state of the South African Mission, in connection with the Missionary Society at the Cape of Good Hope, their excellent brother, Dr. Vanderkemp, was in Caffraria. Although his situation was lonely, and his safety precarious, yet, with exemplary devotedness and zeal, he tarried there and laboured for several months, endeavouring to conciliate King T'Geika and his subjects; but not so much directing religious instructions to them, (whose language he imperfectly understood) as to some Heathens of Hottentot extraction who were in that country; and three of whom appear to have been converted. After this, with a view to meet the brethren This proposed settlement is not meant to supersede the Mission to Caffraria. Dr. Vanderkemp (accompanied by Brother Read) has again been in that country. But at the date of their last letter from Graaf Reinet, they were so constantly employed among the Hottentots and English soldiers, that they could not possibly leave that place; and it will only be when a supply of Missionaries is sent to them, that they can resume their Mission in Caffraria. In the Report of last year it was stat Vandelingen and Read, who were on their way to join him, he left Caffraria and came to Graaf Reinet. Mr. Vanderlingen, after some probationary services, was called to take upon him the charge of the colonial Church at Graaf Reinet: Brother Read entered on a diligent course of labour among the English dragoons who were stationed at that place; and Dr. Vanderkemp employed himself in preaching to the Hottentots who resided in the colony. The colony at Graaf Reinet, has now the advantage of brother Vanderlingen's stated, that the brethren Kicherer and Craed labours; and the children of the colony, and the Heathens who reside therein, the benefit of his religious instructions. Dr. Vanderkemp and Mr. Read were so successful among the Hottentots, that beside two or three, whose piety and good conduct seemed to indicate real conversion, thirty-two others of that people expressed their desire to be fully instructed in the faith of the Gospel, and to walk according to its holy precepts. The English dragoons also not only heard Brother Read with great attention, but several of them have constantly met with him for Christian conference and social worship, and appear to have felt the influence of divine truth. After this it is painful to relate that several of the colonists, from an interested policy, have endeavoured to hinder and oppose the labours of the Missionaries among the Hottentots. The brethren Vanderkemp and Read appear to have been much affected, on account of these violent proceedings, and especially as in the course of them, the Hottentots had been subjected to hostility and danger. With a view, therefore, of withdrawing their charge from their persecutors, they have resolved to form them into a settlement at a distance of 200 miles from Graaf Reinet; to provide a school-master for the purpose of giving instruction to their children, and to endeavour to introduce among them agriculture, and such other arts, as the situation, and their capacities, will enable them to learn and to practise. The Commissioner of Graaf Reinet has given his permission, and has offered his assistance for carrying this plan into effect. mer were about to take a long journey toward the Great River; agreeably to an invitation from a numerous body of Heathen, of various tribes, who reside together, and who earnestly desire religious instruction. Information has been since received, that Mr. Anderson has been joined to this mission; and it is hoped that they have long since arrived at the place of their destination. The Missionary Mr. Tromp has succeeded Mr. Vanderlingen at the Wagen-maker's Valley. The three brethren, Messrs Manenberg, Forster, and Bakker, who were on their voyage to the Cape, at the time of the last Annual Meeting, have since arrived. Mr. Bakker labours at Stellenbosch; and he has been directed to pay attention to the religious instruction of the children of both the Heathens and Colonists, at that settlement. Mr. Manenberg has proved so acceptable at the Cape, that the South African Society have thought it right to settle him there. It appears that he preaches twice a week to a large and respectable congregation of Christians; and that three times a week he holds an evening meeting for the instruction of the colonial slaves, and of the other Heathen who reside at the Cape. Mr. Manenberg is entirely supported by the Society at the Cape. Brother Foster has been appointed to assist the Reverend Mr. Vos, in labouring among the Christians and Heathens in the settlement of Rodesand; and this Society has been relieved from almost all charge on his account. The Directors report, that their institution has experienced an increase of assistance from the South African Society, during the past year; and that the Missionaries in Africa have also been favoured with their most ready support. They add, that the Missionary Society at the Cape increases in its numbers, and improves in its organization. Calvinists and Lutherans co-operate, and both Christians and Heathen, at the Cape and its vicinity, share in the exertions of that institution, which has obtained the liberty of erecting a large building at the Cape, for public worship. Dr. Vanderkemp in his last letter and journal mentions, that he has received a message from Captain Klaas Stauir, a chief among the Hottentots, requesting him to come and settle at Swartkops River, that both himself and his people may be instructed in the doctrine of Christ: and, that at the Snow Mountains, and at some other places in the same direction, there are considerable numbers of Heathen who desire instruction, These services the Brethren have been obliged to decline at present; but they earnestly request, that at least four Missionaries may sent to enable them to form settlements in the eastern part of the colony of Graaf Reinet, and in Caffraria. The Reverend Mr. Vos, at Rodesand, has be also desired that two additional Missionaries may be sent to labour in his circuit, who will be maintained by his community; accordingly Messrs. Palm and Ulbricht, from Berlin, and five others from the Netherland Society, are in a short time to sail from Holland to the Cape. The Directors express their unfeigned gratitude to his Excellency Francis Dundas, Esq. the present English Governor at the Cape, and his predecessors in that office, for having favoured the designs of the Missionary Society; and also to the Fiscal Rynevelt, at the Cape, and the Commissioner Maynier, at Graaf Reinet; the latter of whom protected the Missionaries and the Hottentots at that place, from the violence of many of the colonists. Mr. Forsyth is their only Missionary in the East Indies. By letters which have been received from him, it appears, that he continues to labour with diligence and zeal. Mr. Forsyth has sub jected the Society to no expense on his account since his arrival in India. Mr. Bentom has been about two years at Quebec. His church and congregation increase, and his ministry attracts the attention of some persons who have been united to the Church of Rome. The voyage of Mr. Mitchell to Montreal, with a view to exercise his Ministry in that city, terminated in disappointment; but succeeding events have proved more favourable. Mr. Mitchell received an invitation from some persons at New Carlisle, in the Bay of Chaleur, which he has accepted. His congregation increases; many French Catholics and native Indians occasionally hear him, and with the latter, he holds frequent conversations: he also keeps a school for the gratuitous instruction of the children of the poor. Mr. Mitchell has acquainted the Directors that there are about two hundred Indians of the Micmack Tribe, resident in and near New Carlisle; and about four hundred more at Meremichi and Restigouche, in New Brunswick together with many English and French settlers. Mr. Hillyard's letters give a pleasing account of his ministrations in Newfoundland. His church consisted, in November last, of 26 members; and an addition thereto was expected and hoped for, in the course of the last winter. The Directors, in their last Report, made mention of New South Wales, as several of the Missionaries who left Otaheite, were at that settlement. The letters last received from Port Jackson, were dated in August 1801, at which time no Missionary except Mr. Hassel remained at that place. It appears that he preaches at several places in the vicinity of Port Jackson, and that he exerts himself in providing instruction for many children in the colony. The Directors are sorry that the means of accomplishing several missions resolved on by the Society, have not been in their power. At the time of the last General Meeting three persons were placed in the Missionary Seminary under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Bogue: since that time two more have been added, with Mr. Frey, one of those sent from Berlin. Mr. Frey having been converted from Judaism to Christianity, and his desire to preach the Gospel to the Jews being ardent, the Directors have sent him to the seminary that he may be taught "the way of God more perfectly;" and thus be fitted for the important work of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the unbelieving descendants of Abraham. Had it not been for the co-operation of Missionaries from Berlin and Rotterdam, the interests of the Society in Africa would have suffered considerably. This will account for the delay in forming new Missions. The Essay on the Divine Authority of the New Testament," by the Reverend Mr. Bogue, intended as a preface to an edition of the New Testa ment in French, prepared by this Society for circulation in France, has been presented to the public. When this work has undergone the alterations which a candid and serious consideration may shew to be necessary, means will be provided for effecting the object of the Society with respect to it. The Directors have granted 100l. to aid the exertions making to spread the Gospel in Ireland, and to afford religious instruction to children in those parts where the darkness of Popery is prevalent. And they have given 501. more to assist the Tract Society in printing and distributing useful Tracts among the French and Dutch prisoners who were confined in this country. The Directors conclude with recom mending to the meeting, a determination to employ with prudence and activity all the means which Providence has committed to their management; and the assiduous cultivation of a spirit of faith, dependence, and patience, as to the issue of their designs and the success of their exertions. By subsequent accounts to those above detailed, it appears that the Royal Admiral, with nine Missionaries on board, had arrived at Otaheite on the 10th of July, 1801, and was cordially received by the natives. The Missionaries who had continued at Otaheite, are said to have been treated for some time past with great kindness by the Otaheitan chiefs, and to have been furnished with a sufficiency of provisions, even in seasons of scarcity. The chief part of their property would seem to be kept possession of by Pomarree, who, however, is said to supply them with what they want, and seldom to give away any without their leave. The affairs of the Mission, which had fallen into some confusion, were restored to order while the Royal Admiral remained; but Mr. Read, one of the Missionaries, could not agree with the rest, and refused to be governed by a majority; he therefore went on board again. The only progress the Missionaries are stated to have made, as yet, is in acquiring a knowledge of the language of the natives. The Porpoise, the vessel sent to the island by Governor King, had succeeded in procuring provisions for the colony at New South Wales, 500 large hogs having been salted down, besides those which were carried away alive. LETTERS have also been received from Dr. Vanderkemp, dated in March, which state that a Missionary settlement was about to be established at or near Algoa Bay, under the auspices of Governor Dundas, to which the converted Hottentots might be removed. plan had received some interruption from the news of peace, but it was still intended to proceed with it. The Governor Dundas had recommended it to Dr. Vanderkemp, not to discontinue the instruction of the people in the neighbourhood of Graaf Reinet. Accordingly the Missionary Vanderlingen was left there with about sixty Hottentots, on about thirty acres of land given by Commissioner Maynier to the Missionary Society. There appears to be two parties in France, who are equally disposed to refuse the Concordat and its disciples a kind reception; those who still adhere to all the forms and faith of the old Religion, and those whom the school of the Revolution has taught to have no religion at all. Between them both the new religion will have many difficulties zeal than ever, both at home and abroad. to encounter. We copy the following article without daring to vouch for its authenticity. A Society has just been formed at Bourdeaux, for the propagation of the Christian Religion on the coasts of Africa. We trust that the facility given by peace will make these meritorious institutions be carried on with more We are informed, that among the regulations of the new Gallican Church, it is ordered by the Consuls, that no Curé shall have the benefice he enjoyed before the Revolution; that the vicars of parishes shall have only 417. sterling per annum each; and those who are presented to chapels of ease only 217. each. VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. FRANCE. taken place in France during the month, is the THE most interesting occurrence which has organization of the Legion of Honour, which has at length been effected. The revenues assigned for its support amount to 5,265,257 livres, about 220,000. Lucien Buonaparte has been chosen by the Tribunate its representative in the Grand Administrative Council of the Legion. The annual fete of the 14th of July seems to have been distinguished, on the present occasion, chiefly by military parade. The Chief bres d'honneur to those soldiers whose bravery Consul took that opportunity of awarding saand good conduct had been reported to him. The circumstance which attracted most notice was the public celebration on that day of the marriage of twelve young girls, who had been dowered by the Commune, with as many in conyoung men eminent for their courage; sequence of the following decree of the Go THE accounts received from the conti- the kingdoms of this world shall become nent, during the present month, and the kingdom of Jesus Christ. which are particularly noticed under the head of Turkey, exhibit such scenes of revolt and devastation, as evidently forebode some great political convulsion in that distracted empire. The interference of Austria and Russia, in its internal affairs, seems now highly probable. Troops from both nations are even said to be on their march, at the request of the Ottoman Court, to quell the insurgents. The lure, which will thus be held out to the cupidity of these powers, will be likely to overcome any slight sense either of justice or generosity, which, in such a case, would stand in the way of their ambition. And if the peace of the Turkish provinces must be maintained by a foreign force, the transfer of their sovereignty cannot be far distant. That the only European government: vernment which is interested in upholding the Mahommedan delusion, should thus be crumbling to pieces, cannot be the subject of keen regret to the Christian Observer; who sees in that event, a fresh confirmation of the unimpeachable truth of the prophetic writings, and a new path opened for the diffusion of that divine light, which is one day to cover the earth. Neither of the monarchs, who seem to be marked out as the instruments of dissolving the power of this anti-christian state, may be aware whose purposes they are effecting, or in whose service they are actually engaged but the intelligent Christian will acknowledge them to be the im mediate, though unconscious instruments of the Almighty-and to be employed in effecting his purposes whose word is fate, and who hath said, that all Christ. Observ. No. 7. Paris, June, 27. It is the desire of the Government, that mo rals and virtue shall be particularly honoured at the fete of the 14th July, and receive pub lic recompense. At Paris, in each of the twelve Municipalities, there shall be celebrated on the day of the 14th of July, the marriage of a young maiden with a young man, chosen from amongst those who are distinguished for traits of courage. chief place of every district, on the 23d of The same ceremony shall take place at the September next. The Prefects and Sub-Prefects shall concert with the respective Municipalities, respecting the dower of the young women, and which shall take place on the occasion of these shall draw up the form of the ceremonies marriages. The Minister of the Interior, CHAPTAL. The Commercial interest throughout the French Republic is said to be considerably alarmed, lest the Government should deter30 |