has been pleased to plant me in a well cultivated vineyard, and has watched with a scrutinizing eye to behold what fruit I would bring forth. But I have not surely made that improvement I ought, and might have made. I have not sought out and improved opportunities for doing good according to the ability I possessed. Let this be for my constant humiliation. And if I have been enabled to do any thing for the glory of God; his shall be all the praise. I would now form some new resolutions for my future conduct, and strive to give a strict adherence to them. Should my life and health be spared, I intend to select a chapter each morning for a subject of meditation, committing to memory one or more important verses to employ the vacant moments through the day. I would also be more strict in the government of my thoughts, and watchful over my general conduct; particularly when likely to be exposed to temptation. I would also be more strict and constant in self-examination, and strive to be more fervent in secret devotion.

March 27, 1825. I would now review my exercises during the past winter. The Lord has been in this place, reviving, I trust, the languishing graces of his children, pouring out a spirit of prayer, and, by the still, small voice of his Spirit, convincing unbelievers of their danger and guilt, and giving them a hope in his pardoning grace. My heart, if it does not deceive been deeply interested in this work. At times I have felt a joy inexpressible--and

me,

has

still I have ardent desires for its continuance and spread-till all shall unite in praising and loving and serving the dear Redeemer. I have felt that he is indeed a "Refuge in the time of trouble." The promises have afforded me sweet consolation; and though at times nature has been ready to repine, yet I have earnestly sought his grace to subdue my will and make me wholly submissive. I have sometimes found sweet peace in committing all my interests into his hands for time and eternity-my views of futurity have been brightened and I have felt desirous to live more like a pilgrim, passing through a desert land, "seeking a better country, even an heavenly." May he perfect his work of grace in my soul, and enable me to receive the allotments of his providence with submission, rejoicing that his wisdom overrules all things for good to them that trust in him.

Jan. 24, 1826. It is near the hour of midnight. The stillness of the house, the calmness of nature, the lustre reflected from the new-fallen snow by the light of the almost full-orbed moon, the lengthened shadow of the trees, stript of their verdure, the clearness of the sky, displaying the starry gems of heaven, or losing itself in mellowing clouds, all combine to tranquilize the mind, to fill the soul with solemnity and awe, and raise the thoughts in holy adora

tion. The day is past-its transactions closed-its account sealed up for eternity. And thus our mortal days will all fleet away, and soon the last will arrive. And can I be regardless for one moment of the solemn consequences that will be the result of my daily conduct? Jesus Savior, to thee again I flee; Oh pardon the sins and follies of the past day. Grant me sanctifying, quickening, preventing grace; and while I am permitted to continue in this state of trial, let me not live in vain.

It is evident from the journal of Mrs. Allen that she took great delight in the Sabbath, as a day of holy rest. On the 9th of March, 1823, she writes

With emotions of sacred pleasure would I hail the return of the holy Sabbath— gracious appointment of heaven for the refreshment of weary pilgrims, wandering through the mazes of sin and wickedness in the desert wilds of this world, and directing their course towards the heavenly Canaan, the mansion of eternal rest. How sweet to find in the sanctuary a sacred retreat from the cares and perplexities which the solemn prayers and sacred songs of attend us through the week-to unite in praise, and to listen to the faithful dispensation of the word of life! O gracious Father! may I this day experience these divine joys in thy house; may I be washed of redeeming blood; be delivered from from my innumerable sins in the fountain wandering thoughts, and attend with solemn reverence to the ministrations of thy word.

In May, 1827, Mrs. Allen was married to the Rev. David Oliver Allen, and with him embarked at Boston for Calcutta, on the 6th of June following. She arrived at Bombay on the 28th of the next November. On the first of May, immediately after deciding to become a partner in the trials and labors of a mission to the heathen, she made an entry in her journal, which shows with how much anxiety and prayerfulness she labored to ascertain her duty on that point, and how firmly and cheerfully her mind was made up to the work.

For several days the conflict of my mind was so great as to destroy my relish for food, and almost to deprive me of sleep. But I desire to bless God that he has, if I rightly interpret the indications of his providence, shed light on my path, and shewn the way in which he would have me go, for I trust he has enabled me to lift up my soul to him for direction.

And now I am decided. Yes, I will offer myself a living sacrifice, to assist, so far as he shall give ability, in the arduous labors of extending a knowledge of salvation to the heathen. And in making this surren

der, I feel most happy. Yes, I will bless my covenant God and Savior for the high privilege of enduring hardships and privations for "him, who, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor." Yet I know that his grace alone can sustain me. I would not "trust in my own heart," nor neglect to "count the cost." I would not, I trust I do not rush into this work uncalled.

On the 5th of February, 1831, it pleased the Lord, in a sudden and afflictive manner, to remove Mrs. Allen by death. She had entered on her missionary labors with much zeal, and had applied herself to the attainment of the Mahratta language with much success; and in the formation and superintendence of female schools, in the direct religious instruction of the scholars connected with them, and other adults who were attracted by her influence and exertions; in the visitation of the sick and afflicted, in administering counsel to those who viewed her as a friend, and in many other ways, which need not be mentioned, she accomplished much good. Her missionary course was short, extending to less than three years and a quarter. But she has left evidence that she was habitually ready for her departure. About a year after her arrival at Bombay, on the anniversary of her birth-day, she made the following entry in her journal.

Many years have passed away since I have occupied a place in the vineyard of the Lord, and many mercies have I received. To me there must ere long be a a last year, a last day, a last moment. I hear the admonitory voice, "Do with thy might what thy hand findeth to do, the night cometh, when no man can work." Perhaps it may be near to me, even the night of death. But the dawn of eternal day is disthe blackness of darkness awaits all unbecovered by the eye of faith; and, though lievers, yet they who trust in Jesus shall be saved from that awful state. Though many and dark be the stains of sin, yet the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin, and robes of glory shall forever adorn those who have washed in that precious fountain. I have given myself in covenant to God to be his for time and eternity, and if I am his in life, I shall be also in death.

China.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL

BRIDGMAN AT CANTON.

OF MR.

WHILE reading the first part of this journal it should be borne in mind that no foreigner is permitted to travel through the Chinese empire, visiting towns and villages, making observations and holding free intercourse with the people, as he might do in this country. All access of foreigners is prohibited, except to one city, and to one corner only of that. Every street, except those within the prescribed limits, is as much unknown to foreigners as the remotest village in the empire.

Difficulty of obtaining correct Knowledge

respecting the Chinese.

April 8, 1831. It is very difficult to give correct ideas of China to those who live on the other side of the world. The want of extensive and trusty means of obtaining information is the principal cause of this difficulty. The barbarians' place, in the "Celestial Empire' is very strait; and they come into contact with few natives of the country, except merchants. I know of VOL. XXVIII.

|nothing in China which deserves to be called a newspaper; nor are there any literary or scientific journals. The imperial and provincial courts have each their circulars; in which they publish only their own proceedings, and only so much of those as best suits themselves. The Canton circular, which is a daily paper, will state, usually in the briefest manner possible, what visits the local officers gave and received, what temples they visited, and what banditti were apprehended, or judged, or

executed.

18

factories, and was told that the poor man belonged to one of the "soldier boats" on the river; that he had passed the night in smoking opium and gambling; and in a fit of madness had himself done the wicked deed. Soon after I was informed by those present when the body was taken down, that the wounds and bruises upon it precluded the idea of suicide. These things appeared certain in this case-that the man was an opium smoker, a gambler, and had come to an untimely death. The practice of smoking the "black commodity" is widely prevalent, from the royal palaces to the meanest hovels, exerting, from one end of the empire to the other, and through all the ranks of society, a most deadly influence. During the past year the use of this drug, judging from the sales of it, has been more than one million of dollars per month. Every visitor at Canton may see some of these dreadful effects, though the most extensive evils resulting from this vile habit are doubtless concealed from the public eye. During the last winter the house of the governor of Canton was burnt down, half at one time, and half at another; both of which calamities were said to have been occasioned by the members of his household smoking opium.

The first Protestant missionary arrived in China the 4th of September, 1807, about six years from which time a complete translation of the New Testament was prepared for the press. Early the next year, 1814, a few months after the arrival of the late Dr. Milne, the second member of the mission, two thousand copies were printed at Canton. In November, 1819, by the united efforts of Drs. Morrison and Milne, a complete version of the whole Bible was in readiness for the press. Since that time two or three editions, amounting probably to 12 or 15 thousand copies have been pub lished. These editions have been printed at the mission press in Malacca.

Methods of Printing.

Though for centuries the art of printing flourished here, while even its existence was unknown in christendom, this art is tined to be of all instruments the most pow doubtless, in the hands of Christians, des erful to break down the bulwarks of idolatry, and to give the light and life of Christianity to the inhabitants of China.

This art was known in China early in the 10th century, four or five hundred years earlier than it was known in Europe.

into China.

May 10. While the Chinese government will not tolerate the public preaching of the gospel, the great means of introducing a knowledge of Christianity will be printed tracts and books. In accordance with this view of the subject, the preparation and distribution of books have been leading objects of attention from the very commencement of the Protestant mission to the Chinese; and they must continue to be so, until every one that speaks that language shall read in his own tongue of the wonderful works and mercy of God.

The Chinese may be called, with great propriety, a bookish people. They have their historical books, their moral, religious books, and all other kinds of books; Christian books only being excepted. And even these are beginning to find their way among the dense and numerous population that use the Chinese language. Probably, in no one language on earth are so many human beings able to read the word of God, were it universally distributed, as in the Chinese. It is most astonishing, and most lamentable that so little effort has ever been made to give the Bible to the people of this ancient and extensive empire. This subject de-. mands the serious and careful consideration of all those whose acknowledged duty it is to publish the gospel to all the families and individuals of the human race. It is very desirable that Christians should know how little has been done, and what there is to be accomplished, in the great work assigned them by their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

mode of printing has been remarkably simple. The characters are cut on wooden blocks of the size of the page to be printed, forming a sterectype like that used by the western nations. From these blocks the impression is taken off by a single person, by his own hands, without the use of any machinery whatever. In this way the work can be executed with much rapidity and elegance. But in large works the blocks will be cumbrous and occupy much space: while for light, ephemeral works it requires too much time and expense to procure them. Hence moveable types have been considered a great desideratum for diffusing Christian and useful knowledge among the nations speaking the Chinese language.

About a century ago Kanghe invented, or at least brought into use, moveable metal types. His successor, Keenlung, was so delighted with these types, that he called them the 'congregated pearls.' But strange to tell, he soon after caused them to be melted down, and his imperial majesty, Keaking, suffered or rather compelled them to go into entire disuse.

None

Of late years several attempts have been made by Europeans to employ moveable metal types, which should combine cheapness, elegance, and facility of use. as yet seem to prove so satisfactory as those recently prepared under the care of the Rev. Mr. Dyer, of the London Missionary Society, at Penang. The types were cast in moulds taken from wooden blocks, and produce, judging from the specimens which I have seen, as fair a character as any of the types cut by the best artists in China.

The lithographic press has recently been applied to Chinese printing at Macao, by J. R. Morrison, Esq. assisted by a native Christian who is learning the art, and at Batavia, by the Rev. Mr. Medhurst. The elevation of the character above the surface of the stone is so small, that an impression can be taken on both sides of the thinnest Chinese paper. This by their own method of printing the Chinese can never do.

Other Notices.

A boy was carried by our door to-day, followed by a crowd of the populace, to the river side; where, with his hands bound behind his back, and a heavy stone bound to his body, he was about to be plunged into a watery grave. But his uncle interposed to save him from the death to which his parents were hastening him.

The youth, nineteen years of age, had involved himself by gambling and rioting, and applied to his mother for money, which being refused, he became angry and began to rail at and to beat her. His father coming

in at the moment, he commenced an attack on him also, severely beating and wounding them both. The parents fled to the police; their son was apprehended, and on their testimony sentenced to death. Parents do not always deem so long a process necessary. A case recently occurred, in which all the forms of trial were omitted, and the father and mother were the accusers, the judges, and the executioners of their own

son.

On the tenth of June Mr. Bridgman arrived at Macao, the common place of resort for foreigners during the summer. Having mentioned some of the inconveniences and apprehensions to which he is subjected by the intolerance of the heathen rulers at Canton, and the Catholics at Macao, he adds

In addition to this, and in common with all the residents, the missionary is subjected to inconveniences to which the good people of England and America are seldom if ever exposed. We were informed before leaving Canton, that some piratical acts had recently occurred on the route which we were to take, and some preparations of defence were made accordingly. We passed quietly on till the third evening, when, just at sunset, two "thief boats," with twenty or thirty men in each, were seen coming down upon us, about a mile distant. Our boatmen immediately cast anchor, (the wind being light and the tide coming in against us.) and soon all things were ready for the encounter. Baskets of stones, bows and arrows, spears and spikes, with caldrons of boiling rice, and some "hard guns" (a fowling piece and a brace of pistols,) and about twenty-five persons, including ourselves, formed the array of battle. Meantime several small boats had placed them

EXTRACTS from the journals of Mr. Tomlin, of the London Missionary Society, and of Mr. Gutzlaff, of the Netherlands Missionary Society, showing the openings there were in Siam for the extensive circulation of religious books, and the pervailing eagerness among the people to obtain them, were inserted at p. 324, vol. xxvi, and p. 216 of the last volume. It was stated in the last number, p. 99, that Mr. Abeel had arrived at Singapore, and had made arrangements to sail immediately for Bankok, the capital of Siam, a city containing about 400,000 inhabitants; of whom about 310,000 are Chinese, with 8,000

Siamese, exclusive of 11,000 priests. The remainder are a mixed multitude, from various tribes and nations. The population of Siam is estimated at 4,000,000 or 5,000,000.

pore.

Voyage to Bankok.

My last communication was from SingaI believe I mentioned that Mr. Tomlin was on the eve of sailing for this place; and that I had engaged a passage in the same vessel. The concurrence of events was of that striking character, which proclaims the goodness of the Lord, and bids us follow the directions of his providence with boldness and gratitude. On the 17th of June, Mr. Tomlin, Mr. D., a pious officer in the Indian army, and myself embarked in the Sophia, an Arab vessel, with a European captain. We were all obliged to occupy one room, the opposite side of the cabin being reserved for two of the supercargo's wives. The crew consisted of 46, 43 men, principally Arabians and followers of the false prophet. Five times a day these deluded men bent the knee and bowed the head in worship. The principal services are performed at day-break and sunset. The most devout assemble on the poop deck, and with their faces turned towards the west, the direction of the Mussulman's holy city from our present position, employ probably half an hour in their orisons. The first officer leads their devotions, standing a short distance in advance of the rest, and the whole company drone out something like a response. Mistaken men! they express a belief that all Christians are to be