The following statement, relating to the distribution at Singapore, cannot fail to interest our readers :

Perhaps not less than one hundred junks, of various sizes, pay at least an annual visit to Singapore; and afford abundant facilities for sending the Sacred Scriptures into the Empire of China, and to almost every important Chinese Colony in the Indian Archipelago. The large junks from China are chiefly from two places, Canton and Amoy: they arrive early in the year; and, as they stay some months, we have an opportunity of paying them several visits, and of holding conversations with the people. All the readers on board each junk are supplied with books; and then a small "export cargo" is entrusted to the Captain, or other intelligent and well-disposed persons among the crew, to be dispersed among their friends, on returning home. A complete copy of the Scriptures is usually given to the Captain, for his own use. In all our intercourse with these visitors, as well as those from other parts, we have uniformly met with a friendly and even kind reception; and the books are generally received with cheerfulness, and not unfrequently with strong feelings of gratitude. During the present season (1830) we have, indeed, met with increasing friendliness; and often found it difficult to avoid numerous and pressing invitations to share their hospitality.

As to the effects resulting from these latter operations, they must, from their very nature, to a great extent remain unknown to the Missionaries; but there is reason to hope that they may not unaptly be compared to those smaller portions of light which are diffused over the surface of the earth at the first break of day, which, though scarcely sufficient to strike the eye, are not the less real, nor the less necessary to the increased body of light that follows.

The above-mentioned and other similar indications, warranting the expectation of more favourable results, in future, from this Mission, are adapted to cheer our hopes and to encourage our exertions. Let us add our earnest supplications to

God, that He would be pleased to put forth His Almighty Power, and break down those formidable barriers which

still obstruct the progress of Christianity in these extensive and populous regions -increase the facilities, and open more and wider doors, for the diffusion of Truth -and pour forth abundantly the influences of His Spirit, to give efficacy to the means employed by Christian Missionaries for the purpose of turning the population of the Eastern World from the vain philosophy of Confucius, the absurd theology of Buddhu, and the fatal

delusions of Mahomed, to the faith and obedience of JESUS CHRIST.

BRITISH & FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

THE Rev. S. Kidd and the Rev. Jacob Tomlin, of the London Missionary Society, have transmitted from Malacca, under date of the 17th of December, some

Notices of the Circulation and Influence of the Scriptures.

Our prospects, we think, are gradually brightening, both here and at Singapore. Knowledge is silently, yet surely, making its way among the Chinese. We frequently come in contact with Chinamen, who have at least a partial acquaintance with the doctrines of Christianity, and are familiar with the Saviour's name and character.

Not wishing to be confined wholly to our particular Stations, we shall embrace every opportunity of going forth on Missionary Tours and Voyages to the neighbouring Islands and Continents: it is our principal object thereby to disperse the Word of God more widely than could otherwise be done.

In our recent visits among the Chinamen dwelling in the town and neighbourhood of Malacca, we have taken the occasion of giving away a good number of parts of the Tamul Scriptures to the Kling People; who come from the coast of India, and reside here, in considerable numbers, for the purpose of trade: with them, we have very little trouble; for, having once found out that we have such books to give away, they frequently stop us in the streets, or come to inquire for them at the College. Now and then we can also distribute a few Malay Scriptures; and, occasionally, an Arabic Bible or Testament, to a Native Schoolmaster.

Mr. Gutzlaff is still in Siam: he has Siamese New-Testament; having revised sent down to Singapore a copy of the it lately, two or three times. Before printing the whole, we shall probably try the experiment of printing a single Gospel.

They add, on the 23d

During the last five or six days, we have had a great many visitors at the College, anxiously inquiring for Malay Testaments: these are chiefly Malays and Arabs, who have lately come in prows from Java, and from Palembang (a considerable settlement on the Suma

tran Coast): several also resident in Malacca have been stirred up. Among our foreign visitors, there is a pleasing and grateful spirit manifest: several of these are respectable and intelligent persons, of Arab extraction, who read both the Arabic and Malay, and usually wish for the Scriptures in both languages: besides supplying their own wants, they commonly request a few more to disperse among their friends at bome. We can truly say that we never witnessed such a frank, cheerful spirit in this people before; and such an eager desire for the books seems to indicate a real hunger for the Bread of Life. Yesterday and to-day, small parties have been dropping in continually, so that we have been much occupied in ministering it to them: perhaps not less than 80 copies of the Old and New Testaments have been taken away within the last three or four days.

AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONS. Inquiry and Persecution at Rangoon. THE Rev. Jonathan Wade writesThe Native Assistants have been about the place, daily preaching the Gospel of Christ. The number of hopeful inquirers has, however, diminished rather than increased but the faith of a great many in Gaudama is undoubtedly much shaken : for, though greater exertions have been latterly made on the part of the priests than ever before, yet the offerings have been much fewer: some things which they had undertaken, particularly the repairing of a pagoda, have been abandoned, in a half-finished state, for want of offerings. These things have alarmed them and their votaries to such a degree, that they have lately appointed PREACHERS of their own religion in every neighbourhood, to confirm the people in the Faith of Gaudama, and to dissuade them from listening to the New Religion-a thing which they have never been known to do before.

The following extracts of his Journal at a later period shew that the spirit of Inquiry had greatly increased:

June 28, 1830-To-day had more company than usual, being at least 50 persons assembled at a time. One, whom we have for some time considered a hopeful inquirer, spoke quite boldly today on the side of Truth, before a large collection of people; but he lives at a

distance, and is going off in a day or two. July 6 Yesterday, the long expected Tracts arrived: the demand for them is so great, that 300 are gone already; and we are obliged to refuse many who ask for them, lest we should be entirely out again before we can possibly get more. The Scriptures we are obliged to give very sparingly, as there are but a few copies in print. The people who come for books are from all parts of the country.

July 7-As great a demand to-day for Tracts as yesterday. One priest, who had received St. Matthew some time ago, sent it back to day, saying that he had copied it, and begged we would give him another volume.

July 12-It begins to be said that Government keeps a look out, to see who are in the habit of coming to listen to the Gospel; and though it is undoubtedly a false surmise, yet it will frighten some, and prevent them from listening to the Truth: however, there does not seem to be any falling-off of company, or to be any less demand for books. It' grieves us to be obliged daily to send many away empty who beg importuwithal to satisfy their demands. nately, because we have not where

July 22-For two or three months past, there has been a great influx of people from every part of the country, consisting of troops lately raised, and who are called to this place to have their military equipage examined: immense

numbers of these have been here for books; and, if we had had a sufficient number to supply their demands, Tracts would at this time have been scattered

through nearly every town and village in the province as it is, they have been quently hear with what avidity they are very widely circulated; and we freread in those places which they have reached. Numbers, who live several

days' travel from this place, have called, and said, "We have heard the fame of this religion, and are come to hear and get books.'

Dr. Judson writes, under a still more recent date

Efforts have been made to check the progress of religious inquiry. At one time, men were stationed at a little distance, on each side of the house, to threaten those who visited the place, and take away the Tracts which they had received. Reports were circulated that Government was about to make a public

example of heretics: the crowds, which used to come for Tracts, all disappeared; and Ko Thaha, who continued to occupy the house, became intimidated, and retreated to his own obscure dwelling. Things are, therefore, at a very low ebb: but we trust in God, that the tide will flow again in its own appointed time.

These trials served as tests of the sincerity of the professed Converts. Mr. Wade observes

While we were examining the Candidates for Baptism, and asking some close questions, one of the Members remarked, that we need not feel anxious about the

sincerity of those who ask for Baptism; since the opposition and reproach are so great, that we could not possibly persuade, or even hire a person to embrace this religion, unless he were truly converted.

Endia within the Ganges.

FROM a late Number of the Serampore Periodical Accounts we extract a statement of the

Measures which led to the Abolition of Suttee.

It is now more than twenty-four years, previously to Marquis Wellesley's return from India, since Dr. Carey submitted three Memorials to Government; the first relating to the exposure of infants, chiefly in the northern parts of Bengal, and that of persons devoting themselves to death at Saugor Island and certain other places: the last two practices were abolished by an order of Government; but the burning of widows has been suffered to continue till a recent period.

:

In 1817, a valuable document was drawn up, in Sanscrit, by the Chief Pundit in Fort-William College, then Chief Interpreter of Hindoo Law to the Supreme Court this being done at the request of Mr. Harington, First Judge of the Chief Native Court of Justice, it was deposited and is now preserved in the Library of Serampore College. He here examined the Shasters, of the highest authority, on the most extensive scale, embracing even those of the South of India; and proved, by a proportion of about THIRTY to FIVE, that they did NOT sanction this horrid practice, nay, that it was expressly forbidden by high

authorities.

In 1818, Rammohun Roy published an able pamphlet against the practice,

66

In 1822, the Serampore Missionaries, who have frequently dwelt on this dreadful custom, published, in their Quarterly Friend of India," a powerful article on this subject; proving, 1. That this practice is no act of religion prescribed by the Hindoo Shasters. 2. That it is no civil command enjoined by Hindoo Law. 3. That the deed is esteemed, by the best Hindoo Authors, as mean, unworthy, and dishonourable. That, in short, the burning alive of a Hindoo Widow is, on her part, an act of self-murder; and, on the part of her Son who sets fire to the pile, and the relatives who assist, a murder without excuse-perpetrated under no command, even in their own system. They conjectured it as highly probable that the practice owed its chief support, in Bengal, to the increase of wealth and dissoluteness of morals, particularly dur ing the last sixty years. They then urged, by many arguments, that, as the British Legislature set precisely the same value on the lives of its Native as of its European Subjects, there was a loud and imperative call to interfere on behalf of the bereaved Widow-the only surviving and natural guardian of the bereaved family; closing their appeal in these emphatic words, If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou say, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?

Seven years more, however, had to pass away before any thing decisive was done. In our last Number of Periodical Accounts, we gave proof, that ten or eleven months before the Government Order, there were Pundits, up as far as Benares, who were prepared to hail the prohibition as a mighty deliverance; and now, at last, the friends of humanity cannot but rejoice to hear of its being issued,

not in Bengal alone, but at Madras and Bombay.

See, at pp. 361, 362 of our last Volume, the proof to which allusion is here made.

From the same Number of the Periodical Accounts, we obtain, in continuation of the statements given at pp. 331-333 of our last Volume, a detail of the

Proceedings of Natives relative to the late

Abolition of Suttee.

However revolting to our feelings this most cruel rite must ever, appear, by which probably more than A MILLION OF WIDOWS have been burnt alive on the funeral pile in Bengal alone; still it was scarcely to be supposed that its suppression would pass unnoticed. A practice so long continued-in consequence of the Brahmins, for their own advantage, having changed the Law of Munoo into the exception, and his exception, if there be one, into the law-a deed, holding out to the deluded and intoxicated victim even millions of delusive expectations-it was not to be supposed that all Pundits and Brahmins would remain passive and silent. The discussions and proceedings, however, to which its Abolition in Bengal has led, being all conducted with decorum, actually promise, in their result, far more benefit to the Hindoo Mind generally, than the suppression of the rite itself.

در

Previously to the order being issued by the Governor-General, one of the oldest Native Papers consoled its readers that Lord Bentinck never would do such a thing; and afterward while confessing that, under the English, we have certainly enjoyed as much felicity, as we suffered misery under the Juvuns or Mussulmans," and professedly lamenting the Order-the Editor adds, "but his Lordship has a SOUND JUDGMENT, and this inspired him with hope that the Order might be recalled! Before three weeks elapse, however, two parties appear among the Hindoos themselves one in favour of the Abolition; the other, against it: not that this is a new thing, for the learned among the Hindoos have long differed extremely respecting their tenets; but the present being a question of the purest humanity, in which they

have chosen to embark for a season, its discussion must, of necessity, be fraught with great ultimate good.

After noticing the intercourse of Natives with the Governor as before detailed by us, it is added, in reference to the meeting of the AntiAbolitionists held on Sunday the 17th of January of last year

Forming themselves into what they have called the Dhurma Subha," or Religious Society," with Governors, a Committee, Treasurer, and Secretary, they invite connexions and auxiliaries; and talk of erecting a building, when 20,000 rupees are subscribed. In two months we see a movement of the same kind up as far as Patna. The Newspapers carry on the discussion for and against the measure; while the Durpun, [a Newspaper in Bengalee, printed at Serampore,] now silent since the law was passed, reports their progress, but simply as intelligence: on the 12th of June the Editor glances at the subject as follows:

We learn, from the Native Papers, that the Appeal to Parliament on the subject of Suttees has been at length prepared, and that tomorrow is fixed for receiving signatures. The Order abolishing the rite passed the Supreme Council on the 4th of December: more than six months have, therefore, been employed in preparing the Petition of Appeal, and no less than Nineteen Meetings of the Dhurma Subha have been held before it was completed. The Dhurma Subha was, indeed, established on the same plan which the English adopt when they have any measure to carry a Committee, a Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, a Treasurer, a Sub-Committee of Finance, were appointed: books were opened for subscriptions: Branch Societies were established in the principal cities of this Presidency. All this is a close imitation of the English Practice; but, as it regards despatch, there has been a great departure

from that mode.

Still, considering this as a first attempt, it will surprise many at home; and it gives hope that this activity of mind will, before long, find a better channel in which to exert itself.

Meanwhile, however, the other Native Party, entitled the Brumha Subha,' grateful for the abolition of this horrid rite, were not asleep; and, in one of their Native Papers, the Cowmoody, we find the following passage:

Our present Governor-General, on the 4th of December 1829, in perfect conformity with the most celebrated of the Shasters and the lishing the practice of burning women. In dictates of reason, passed a Regulation abothis affair, it is matter of astonishment, that some persons in this neighbourhood, calling themselves the Dhurma Subha, have drawn

out a New Law on the subject, which however they do not publish; and are about to send it to England, with a Petition to revoke the very beneficial Regulation passed on the subject, and to lay out 50,000 rupees in transmitting it. Having made this public, they have been collecting money from various classes of persons. The Editor of the Durpun, in the 640th Number of his Paper, asks why those who are opposed to the Dhurma Subha do not draw out their Legal Autho rities and present them to Parliament. We suspect that the Editor is not informed on this subject: we would, therefore, beg to say, that the Legal Authorities against the rite have been put together at great length from the most celebrated Shasters, and that the small sum necessary to cover the expenses incurred has been collected-but this party has been at no such pains in regard to the collecting of authorities or the amassing of money, as the members of the Dhurma Subha; for it was the completion of their object alone which they kept in view. The Gentleman who will proceed to England with THEIR documents, was offered by them 5000 rupees to bear the expenses of his journey; but he absolutely refused to receive ANY THING for conveying to England the legal precepts, which referred to so righteous an act as that of saving the lives of women; and said that he esteemed himself sufficiently happy in having witnessed the extinction of female immolations: he is now going to England, to present the precepts. He, who is proceeding to Great Britain from the other party to establish the immolation of females, how can he accomplish his object without receiving 50,000 rupees from those divine incarnations? Our legal precept and petition have been prepared, and will be very speedily despatched to England.

We noticed at p. 72 the interruption occasioned to the voyage of the Agent appointed to carry to England the Petition of the AntiAbolitionists, and the different comments of some of the Native Papers on this event in proof of the importance attached to the subject.

It is remarked by the Editors of

the Periodical Accounts:

It becomes a subject of no small congratulation, that the first appeal to this country on the part of the Hindoos, including Two Native Parties, for and against, should involve only a question of the purest and tenderest humanity. The discussion among themselves will lead to great good: the result of their appeal may be easily anticipated; and a future generation of Hindoos will find some difficulty in believing that such cruelty ever existed. The men in India, who have literally devoured widows' houses, and for a pretence made long prayers and

incantations, are the only interested parties. The people, here and there, are coming to the knowledge of that God, who establishes the border of the widow, who is a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows in His holy habitation; and into this Resting-place and Sanctuary, it is the great object and desire of the Christian to bring his fellowcreatures.

Pretended Death, by Voluntary Slarva

tion, of a disappointed Suttee.

The " Chundrika," a Native Paper in Calcutta hostile to the AboÎition, published the following lamentable tale :

66

The petition of Radharumun Nundee, of the village of Bykoontu, in the Purgunnah of Bhoorsootee, in the District of Hooghly.-On Sunday, the 17th Assar, at two P. M., my Father gave up the breath of life on the banks of the Bhuguruttee my Mother, devoted to her Husband and possessed of most excellent knowledge, being desirous of ascending to heaven in his company, I went to the respectable inhabitants of our village; and, explaining my request, said, Gentlemen, lend me your aid: I am about to burn my Father and Mother, reckless of the punishment which Government may inflict on me." But the excellent, mild, peaceful inhabitants of the village, overwhelmed with fear lest they should incur legal penalties, instead of assisting me, said, How can this sacrifice be performed, after the strict orders which have been promulgated? Perform the last duties to your Father without your Mother's knowledge; and thus her conHearing this decision of those respectable jugal attachment will not be violated." men, my hopes vanished, and I was obliged to perform my Father's funeral rites without my Mother's knowledge, because no one would aid me. I was of little estimation, a simple oilman; what could I do? That devoted Widow then remained without food for eighteen days; and, on Wednesday last, about three in the afternoon, voluntarily resigned her existence. I entreat you, therefore, to oblige me by publishing the intelligence in the Chundrika. If these undeniable facts should reach the ears of our Governor, some plan will certainly be devised to enable Women to burn.-26th Assar, 1237.

The Native Editor of the "Chunappears to have believed

drika'