The members of the churches are but too painfully ignorant, but how to provide any adequate means of religious instruction, so long as the Karens retain their present wandering habits, I am at a loss to know. Still, many give pleasing evidence of genuine attachment to the principles of christianity.

trary woman at the head of the ladder, | rents in offering to nats. He was baptizto give us the information we desired ed in Tavoy while in school, and is the in respect to roads-for the Karens last one of the only three who have change them almost every year-when ever enjoyed the advantages of a school a voice from the rice field in the dis- education in T., from among all these tance called out "Is that the teacher?" southern Karens. and a woman came running up with joy beaming on her countenance, to give us a christian welcome. She proved to be a believer that has not yet made a profession of religion, and she soon provided us with a guide to the zayat. On the way we passed another house inhabited by believers that have not been baptized, and it was quickly abandoned for the zayat, where Many of the Karens here are subwith the christians and inquirers as-ject to great annoyances from the sembled, I now am. brutal conduct of Burmans who occasionally come among them from the neighboring villages. One family told me to-day of a party that came to their house a short time ago, and ate up all their little condiments, and destroyed every thing that they could find which the Karens value, saying as they seized each article," According to your books, you are not to resist or do any thing in return." On another occasion the whole family went to meeting, and left the house alone on the Sabbath, and on their return they found that a large party of Burmans had been there, and committed the most revolting outrages.

9. We have examined and received for baptism three individuals to-day, but their baptism will be deferred till I visit Pasauoo, to which place they can conveniently go. There has been no assistant here for two years past, and that for the very sufficient reason, that there was no person suitable to be placed among them. Young men have very little influence among the Karens, yet they are, so far as knowledge is concerned, much better qualified to teach them than the older ones whom they prefer. There is quite a number of persons within the circle of a few miles, who are almost persuaded to become christians; and with faithful and continuous labor, attended with the blessing of God, many of these would, I doubt not, be brought into the fold of Christ.

Baptism-State of the churches-Burman

insolence.

Pgho Karens-Baptisms-Toungbyouk.

Another extract will show the progress of missionary labor down to the period of our latest accounts from the station. It is dated

Tavoy, April 13, 1841. After leaving Pyee-khya, I unexpectedly met with br. Brayton, with whom I had the pleasure of spending a week. We travelled together to Ka-tay and the head-waters of the Palau. It gave me great pleasure to find a missionary and his wife among the Pghos in these deep jungles, who could converse and preach to the people with ease in their own language. May their fervent prayers be heard, and their indefatigable labors be rewarded by the conversion of many souls!

11. Pyee-khya. I have had the pleasure of baptizing eleven persons here to-day, one of the number being a head man or chief, as we sometimes call them. When I first came into this region this man used all his influence to prevent the people from attending to the claims of the gospel, but after he found that his efforts were to a considerable extent unavailing, and that one and another of his people were embracing the truth every year, he began to pay some attention to the Ka-tay being more easily accessible subject himself, and has at last, I trust, from Mergui than from Tavoy, br. Ingiven his heart to God. On the other galls has kindly consented to take it hand, the painful duty of suspending into his charge. Although there is a one individual from communion, has al- considerable population in the neighso devolved upon us. He, however, ap-borhood, I am sorry to say that there pears very penitent, and says, "As the is not a single promising inquirer scriptures say, 'I am as salt that has lost among them, and the church, by reits saltness'," for it is the second time he movals, is reduced to a very small has been guilty of joining with his pa- number.

After remaining at home for a short time, I went down again to Pa-sau-oo, which is one of my most interesting fields of labor. Here I had the pleasure of baptizing thirteen, two of whom had been received for the ordinance at Palouk.

At the head-waters of Palau I had, cy. The lexicons often define the the pleasure of baptizing three persons; commonest things in such a loose way, but I was sorry to find that some pro- that it is impossible to translate the mising inquirers whom I left last year, words accurately from the definitions. had turned back to the world. In reviewing the gospel of John, I wished to find the reason why Christ addressed his mother by the term yvval; woman sounding very awkward to a Karen in such a connexion. Tholuck, who is high authority, says "the address is solemn." On turning to the Iliad,* I found that Paris uses it when addressing Helen, and making the strongest protestations of affection, and where some term of endearment was to be expected. This was so clear to Pope that he renders the word by "divinely fair." In the parting scene between Hector and Andromache, where we should expect a term of affection, Hector addresses his wife by quraif. Such examples prove that the usage of the Greek language was such, that this term was applied where, in other

I subsequently visited Toung-byouk, and administered the communion, but did not baptize any, although there were three or four who were desirous of receiving the ordinance. I thought that the evidences they gave of conversion, were not sufficiently clear, and that they had better wait for a time.

I am alone again at the station, Mr. Wade having built him a house some fifteen or twenty miles up the river, where he proposes to gather the Karens around him, and reside, if practi-languages, a word of endearment is cable, all the year.

The work of translation-Helps required. The subjoined remarks by Mr. Mason, in reference to translation, will serve to give our readers some idea of the nature and extent of the labor required in giving correct versions of the bible to the beathen. The difficulties are greatly increased where the language itself, as in the case of the Karens, is first to be reduced to written forms. We have been happy to know that so high an estimate has been formed, by our missionaries, of the importance of the work; and so strict and conscientious a regard nad to accuracy, in translating the scriptures. A great responsibility is incurred by those who attempt thus to give the word of God to the heathen, and no labor or pains should be spared, to render every version as perfect as it is in the power of man to make it. Speaking of aids in the work, he says

found; and on the whole I think that of the case than Tholuck. He says, Rosenmüller had a better cenception «It is a form of address applied by the Greeks to the most honored and respected females." In confirmation of which it may be observed, that while Hector addresses Andromache by yuvat, he uses a different word when addressing the servant girls about the palace.

Knowledge of natural history needed.

I have thought it necessary to procure some works on the subject of botany and natural history, in order to qualify myself to discharge faithfully the work in which I am engaged. There are perhaps no subjects so utterly neglected in a course of education as these. In a late number of the Christian Review, a writer mentions among the animals peculiar to the new continent (America) the tapir and It is not expository, so much as gram- bison; but the tapir has been long matical knowledge, that the translator known as inhabiting this part of the requires in his helps. This is a remark-east; and the bison abounds in our able age for "Reading Made Easier," in jungles, though probably not the idenalmost all languages, and in every de-tical species that is found in America. partment of labor, and a translator ought to be able to avail himself of all that pertains to his work; but, after all, they are like suns and showers to the hus: bandınan; he must plough the ground and hoe the corn notwithstanding. A translator who depends altogether on his scholia and lexicons, is much like a pastor who preaches nothing but the printed sermons of others. Moreover an independent investigation is often absolutely necessary to insure accura

In my notes on Tavoy, which I wrote during the first years of my being in the country, among minor mistakes, I made the important ones of calling the buffalo the bison, and wild-dogs wolves; errors into which I was led by trusting to others that I thought knew of course. I have been compelled to pay some attention to these subjects, and must more; for, as there

*III. 438.

+ VI. 441.

Germany.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF

LEHMANN.

G.

our patience bas been much tried. But when we were ready to faint, the Lord wrought his wonders amongst us. w. Among several interesting cases of awakening, we had also such as were anxiously applying for baptism; con

Condition and prospects of the church at sequently I baptized, on the last SabBerlin-Accessions by baptism.

bath but one, a very dear sister in the Lord, and on the past Sunday four canIn a communication from Mr. Oncken, pub-didates, two brethren and two sisters, Jished in the last number of the Magazine, is a (two households); I had also baptized brief notice of the state of the church at Berlin, a brother in April; and on the evening under the pastoral care of our native missionawe sat down, (oh pleasing sight for us ry, Mr. Lehmann. Presuming that further de-accustomed to small things,) in a tails of its condition and prospects will be ac- circle of eighteen dear members-celIt ceptable to our readers, we present below a ebrating our Savior's dying love. was a most solemn day, and much few extracts from letters of Mr. L. lately received. The first is under date of July 7, 1841. grace rested on us all. Having spoken of his voyage to England, where he was ordained to the ministry of the gospel by his English brethren, Mr. L. writes

as follows:

When I returned, our prospects were at first not very pleasing; most of our inquirers had withdrawn, and the little flock was almost entirely scattered. But by the grace of God we were soon reëstablished, and our number of eight members was increased in the same year by baptism to twelve.

We had and still have to contend with uncommon impediments. There are great numbers of believers in town, and a good many of truly evangelical | pastors preaching to them and to large congregations, with excellent talents and gifts; but these are much opposed to our principles on baptism and church government, so that we are exposed to the utmost contempt. Hence it occurs very seldom that our church is augmented by additions from christian communities. Our field of labor is more especially the world; and we are glad of this, for we are not building upon a foreign foundation. Our exertions are directed to the conversion of a world carnally minded, and very far from God's truth. But frequently it occurs also, that those who by our exertions have become partakers of Christ, are then withdrawn from us, and unite with the established church of the country. But this cannot diminish our joy at the happy change that has taken place ;-only it accounts for the fewness of our actual members, and I mention it merely to show you the peculiar case in which we are.

We have long wrestled in prayer for an increase of our number, also in preaching and visiting, which latter service fills out most of our time; and

Our meetings have averaged in the winter and now between thirty and eighty attendants. Those kept in the forenoon are chiefly designed for the church, and are less visited. We hope to be found next Lord's-day again at the water-side, as some have applied for baptism. The Lord is now graciously working for us.

From government we have nothing Our king has been interto fear now. ested on behalf of our church, and the minister of public worship having been consequently induced to investigate our case, we have received the most encouraging promises. In fact, our excellent king is instrumental of exceedingly great good in respect to religious liberty.

So far, all is promising-the church increasing-and we might hope for a brilliant future. But a cloud darkens this blue sky. The repeated additions to our church have excited the wrath of the world. The congregations becoming numerous, and our singing and praise sounding abroad, our neighbors frown at us; for we have met as yet in my lodgings, having no public meeting-house. My landlord also requires me, now, to discontinue our meetings, or he will by force of law turn me out of doors. Thus we shall be under the necessity of giving up public meetings. Our brethren being very poor are unable to provide a place of worship, and the pleasing prospect before us darkens, and our favorable circumstances become unavailing to us, just when they appeared most promising. There would be, I dare say, no obstacle at all, if we would build a chapel and thereby be established in the capital of an intelligent and influential State-surely an important situation and at a favorable

are

country, for the truth would spread considerably by such means.

Now, dear brethren, I hope to learn soon by our dear br. Oncken or directly, what your love has suggested to you for our case. Have our hearty thanks for your benevolence.

Lehmann gives further and still more encour In a subsequent letter, dated Aug. 3, Mr aging particulars.

The Lord continues to do great things for us; we are now enabled to reap with joy, what formerly we sowed with tears. The present number of our members is increased to 22,and numerous inquirers give us hope of continued additions, so that this year proves to be the most important one since the formation of our church. We were compelled by the hostile de

time. But alas! we are too poor to think of such a matter. Still, I am sure that much good would be donevery much good,-and much injury averted from our church, if we were only able to hire a hall for about $200 (American). Dear brethren and fathers in Christ, to whose liberality we so much indebted already-by which immortal souls will have been won from satan's chain for Christ's blessed kingdom, you would do very, very much benefit to our glorious King's cause, if you would grant us this so long and so much desired object. It is a favorable time, and every thing can only be done in its proper time; and we are convinced this is our time. I am sorry to say that I am unable out of my salary and my earnings from my business (engraving) now a pittance only-for my time is swal-monstrations of my landlord and lowed up in the cause of the missionthat I am unable to engage to defray our expenses in this important thing. We all would exert ourselves to support, as we do already, the cause; and if from our measures and means we are graced | with additional numbers of believers, we shall by and by be able to supply out of our own resources our wants; but as yet we are unable. To supply our poor, gives us already much difficulty for the wealthy classes of society do not like to take part with us― we are outcasts. Therefore, dear brethren, think on our case, and do what you can. I am sure it is the Lord's case. Our dear br. Oncken, to whom I have stated frequently the matter, will, I am sure, support our petition, if he has not already appealed to your liberality.

Churches of Bitterfeld and Memel-Rise

of a church in Pomerania. Our brethren in Bitterfeld also enjoy now more liberty, though they have to suffer reproach from their fellow-citizens; which cannot be remedied by government, nor by any; belonging to the ornament of Christ. And we also are honored with that abundantly. Interesting is the case of the flock at Memel, which will turn to all righteousness.-In Pomerania the truth has also prevailed, though not in the most approved way. A christian brother has proceeded to baptize twelve members, and has formed a church on our principles, though he himself was not baptized. I am sorry that my narrow circumstances prevent me from travelling in our

neighbors, to remove our place of worship, and hire a large room in the midst of the city. The Lord, in his all-overruling wisdom, has turned the schemes of our adversaries to the propagation of his sacred truth. Many more have since visited our assemblies, as my lodgings were remote, and now we are in the midst of a dense population. This has put us to the necessity of taking a much larger place. Not only are we induced to do so by the displaying of the divine will of our Master, but our narrow situation is also very inconvenient; which we experienced last Sabbath especially, when all our dear brethren and sisters sat down at the Lord's table, (oh pleasing sight!) and a large number of attendants witnessed it, and were very much impressed by this sight, and a sion. But our situation in general, if good many more applied for admisour principles would not enjoin on us the duty, urges us to be very cautious not to give occasion to slander; and by the grace of God we are so happy as not to have lost any member by withdrawing or excluding since the former afflicting bereavements two or three years ago. Evidently the Lord has arisen to help us, and to build his house by our feeble hands; and therefore we cannot hold back from our holy calling.

We are therefore now about to hire a large hall and necessary apartments. We have found, after many inquiries, a house quite adapted to our object, and where the proprietor entirely assents to our purpose of edification. Such a good opportunity we cannot expect to