Mr. Robinson; this doctrine lived and flourished for ages before he had a being, or his work saw the light; and I am confident it would flourish, and maintain its triumphant march in christendom, were his writings struck from the catalogue of books. Neither do I mean to espouse and defend the errors and defects of this eminent writer. His errors were his own, and exhibited one of the ever attending attributes of humanity, and for them he must give account to the Judge of all. But my principal object in this reply is, 1st. To explain and vindicate my motives in becoming the editor of this history. 2d. To make some candid strictures on the review, and show wherein the writer has mistaken the author, and detracted from his merits. And 3d. To set in a clearer and more inviting manner, the character of Mr. Robinson as an authentic writer, on whose veracity we may rely. The unfavourable impressions produced by the Review are, first, that I am a secret favourer of the Socinian system; and second, that I was not sufficiently attentive and careful, in making out my Abridgment, to detect and omit Socinian passages; and third, that 1, like too many dealers in books, had more regard to profits than principles. Though these inferences have been drawn by a considerable portion of the readers of the Review, yet I am fully satisfied, that the author of it had no design to injure my feelings or reputation; neither do I suppose that he anticipated such a result as has followed his well-meant, but in my opinion, his too partial strictures on this work. As to the first of these inferences, I hope never to hold opinions which I shall be ashamed or As to the second inference, I am certainly unconscious of any peculiar inattention on the point in question, in editing this work. The defection of Mr. Robinson in his latter years from the orthodox faith, was a subject of conversation, of correspondence, and regret, long before the work went to press. I had many cautions and admonitions upon the subject, and set myself studiously to expunge all those passages which exhibited any of the features of the antitrinitarian creed, which however are not so numerous as many suppose. And after I had prepared the Abridgment in other respects, I went over it again and again, for the express purpose of detecting every expression which might induce a suspicion of any lurking Socinianism in the work. And I really thought I had accomplished my object. Some Unitarians censured my scrupulosity upon this point, and threatened to publish the work entire, or at least, with those pas sages which I had determined to avoid, and accused me of unfairness towards the author. But as I had determined not to new model his style, nor to interpolate his work, but to make entire and sweeping omissions in my Abridgment, I plead the right for the liberty which I proposed to take, on the ground of custom in such cases. 1 designedly let pass some passages respecting original sin, and the African exposition of this doctrine, knowing that a denial of this doctrine, does not involve Socinianism, for many are strong Trinitarians, who either deny it altogether, or receive it in a qualified sense. But I have been blamed for not announcing to the world either in my prospectus or preface, that Mr. Robinson was a Socinian, or was so reputed in his latter years, and especially when he wrote the History of Baptism. This appears at first view a serious and forcible objection; but for the reasons just stated, I thought it unnecessary to arouse the suspicions, and excite the prejudices of the public by publishing the defects of a man, with which all who know his history were acquainted, but which others never need to know. As to my regard to profits, I shall not pretend that I had no respect to the recompense of reward; but I can say sincerely that my prospects and expectations were very small. As a multitude of books have been written upon baptism, I had no expectation that this work, considering its size, its learning and expense, would become current and popular. I rather calculated on it as a text book, and luminous guide, for those who wished to make themselves masters of the subject. And though the subscription swelled much beyond my first expectation, yet I cheerfully relinquish ed to the publishers, one half of all the profits that should arise from the work, to free me from all pecuniary concerns in its publication. And on account of your proximity, and my distance from the press, I engaged one of your number to examine the proofs, which labour, however, the printers afterwards excused. And when they informed me, after the work was partly printed, that in their judgment some passages respecting original sin had better be omitted, I gave them full liberty to leave out whatever they thought proper. Thus was every thing conducted with the greatest openness and publicity, and from the high recommendations of Robinson's History by many of our most eminent and best informed ministers, from its having been appealed to with such confidence and quoted from so frequently, by some of our ablest controversial writers; from its being so scarce and costly; from the circumstance of the Philadelphia Association, having a number of years since, recommended its abridgment and publication, I sincerely believed that such an edition as I have caused to be published, was a desideratum amongst the American Baptists; and I really thought I was doing the denomination a favour by becoming the editor of the work. I did not solicit their applause, but I confidently expected their patronage and cordial 'approbation. And if there could be auy departure from the ordinary rules of criticism, either on the work or myself, in the review of it, I had a right to expect a leaning to the side of mercy rather than severity; but I neither sought the one, nor feared the other. You may then judge of my disappointment and surprise when the review appeared. To be concluded in our next No. Missionary Intelligence. AMERICAN BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSION. BURMAH. EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. COLMAN, TO ONE OF THE EDITORS. RANGOON, FEB. 8, 1819. Very dear Pastor, A SHIP, I am informed, will sail for Calcutta in a few days. I embrace the opportunity of sending you a letter. Will you have the goodness to distribute those which are enclosed with it? We left Calcutta August 19th, and after a passage of four weeks, arrived at this port. Never did a man famishing with hunger, partake of food with more satisfaction than we beheld the shores of Burmah. For ten long months we had been wanderers upon the ocean, or exposed to the influence of a sickly clime. It was delicious to arrive at the end of our journey. The land appeared to us, as Canaan did to the Israelites of old-the land of rest and promise. As we sailed up the river, we felt real satisfaction in anticipating that upon its banks we should pitch our tents, and beneath its turf should lay our bodies. We found, upon arriving at the landing place, our beloved brethren waiting to receive us. For a short time, we could do no more than to take each other by the hand. The sensations of our minds destroyed the power of utterance. In about an hour, the females came on shore, when the whole mission family met, and by mutual expressions of love and joy, attracted universal attention. This was a memorable season. Such a combination of unusual feelings never rushed upon my mind before. We were immediately conducted to the King's Godown, where, according to the custom of the country, we were strictly searched. We then pro ceeded to the mission house. Imagine, if you can, our sensations when we stepped beneath its roof, and found ourselves in that dear company which we had so long desired to enjoy. That was a season of feasting. How swiftly the hours passed away! How varied, how cheering was the conversation! How fervent were the prayers and thanksgivings to Almighty God! The events of those sweet days can never be effaced from my memory; I feel something of their influence at the present time. For more than a week we were employed in getting our things through the custom house. The most minute articles were thoroughly examined. Every chest was searched to the bottom, and the contents of the smallest boxes most carefully scrutinized. Having undergone this tedious operation, we were compelled by the usage of the place to make several presents to persons in authority. It is generally expected that something valuable will be presented to the Vice-roy. We thought the opportunity favourable to pay him a visit, and in making the present, to request. his protection. He received us very graciously. During our stay, all business was suspended, and he gave us the assurance that we might remain in the country, free from molestation. Nor has Our he, thus far, forfeited his word. Since that time we have had occasion to present him a petition on account of some unjust demands made upon us by the under officers of government. petition was granted without the least hesitation, and he ordered that the fee usual on such occasions should be remitted. Still, however, the favour of the government of this country is extremely precarious. No dependence can be placed upon it. The man who is high in the estimation of the Vice-roy to day,cannot infer from this, that to-morrow he will not be banished from the court. While, therefore, we gratefully receive the protection of worldly rulers, we see the necessity of not trusting in an arm of flesh; but of putting all our confidence in the great Head of the Church. He has the hearts of kings and governors at his disposal, and can either incline them to favour us, or shield us from their iron rods. In him is all our salvation and all our hope. It is a truth verified by daily experience, that our sweetest comforts have their alloy. Unmingled happiness is not to be tasted on earth. The fairest prospects frequently vanish like the morning cloud, and leave us, unless supported by almighty grace, to all the anxiety and grief of disappointed expectation. Our business at the Custom-House was just completed, and I had just furnished myself with a teacher, and commenced the study of the language, when I was unexpectedly visited with another attack of my old complaint. The quantity of blood which I expectorated was small. But the rainy season had just ceased, the warm weather was approaching, and I felt a rapid diminution of strength. My weakness was so great, that I was compelled to relinquish my stud ies, and almost entirely to abstain from conversation. My situation was very trying. But the Lord was kind, and granted me, I humbly trust, the supporting influences of the Holy Ghost. My health is by no means confirmed. But, for some time past, I have been gradually gaining strength. I have returned to my studies, and can continue them with ease to myself a considerable part of the day. Sickness and the want of a teacher, have greatly impeded my progress in the language. But I am now favoured with an excellent teacher, by whose assistance I have translated the Catechism, Tract, and a few of the first chapters of Matthew. Beside this, I have copied Br. Judson's Grammar, and half of his Dictionary. The latter is a large work, and in my present state of health, I find it difficult to write much. But I hope to complete it in three months. I long to obtain a knowledge of the language. How distressing to a Missionary, to see millions perishing, because they know not the Saviour, while at the same time he is unable to warn them of their danger, and to point them to the only refuge! But it is still more distressing, when the gospel is presented to their view, to see them treat it with cold indifference, and him with contempt for expressing a concern about their eternal interests. In the mind of a Burman there are none of those strings which preachers in christian lands touch with success. He denies the existence of a SUPREME and ETERNAL BEING. If this is true, there can be no sin against him, and consequently there can be no necessity for an atonement. These three great truths, which are universally acknowledged in christian lands, and which lie at the foundation of revealed religion, never glanced into a Burinan's mind. He has not the least conception that this world was created, and is upheld by almighty power, wisdom, and goodness. And when puzzled in argument, be still remains unaffected, unimpressed. The utmost which he acknowledges is, that superior genius compels him to bow. Here generally conviction ends. Among a people so dark and impenetrable,, how clearly do we see the necessity of divine operation! Vain are the powers of reason; vain the charms of eloquence. O that our American friends would earnestly pray for us, and for the poor heathen to whom we are sent. Could they but see the thousands which once every week press to the great Pagoda, their hearts would be deeply affected, and a new spring given to their missionary efforts. The house in which we live stands at some distance from any public road. It is advantageously situated for those who are acquiring the language. We can just hear the bustle of the town without being disturbed by it. This retired spot, however, is but poorly calculated to attract the attention of the Burmans. This is one reason why so few call to inquire about the religion of Jesus. Feeling this to be a serious obstacle to missionary exertions, we have finally purchas. ed a small piece of land adjoining a part of the premises, which previously belonged to the society. Here a temporary house, in Burman style, is erecting, in which brother Judson intends to pass the principal part of each day. It will stand upon one of the roads which lead to the great Pagoda. The passing is immense, especially on worship days. We hope and pray that the divine blessing will attend this effort. It is the most public one that has yet been made. The gospel must be openly preached-the event must be left with God. Yours, with much affection and respect. J. COLMAN. REV. DANIEL SHARP. P. S. Feb. 25th. The vessel which will take this, still remains in the river. Her delay gives me of a most distressing fire that an opportunity of informing you broke out at four o'clock this morning in Rangoon. It commenced in the suburbs west of from the westward, and caused the city. The wind blew fresh the destructive element to rage in a dreadful manner. Knowing our own house to be out of danger, Mr. Judson and myself went towards the town, and took a stand upon a small eminence. The prospect was awful. The fire had already consumed all the buildings for near a quarter of a mile. It now siezed the walls of the city, where it continued to rage until it reached the centre, where it was stopped by a wide number of buildings. This is the street, and by pulling down a number of buildings. This is the third great fire since the establishment of the mission. It is a mercy that our house is so far in the walls, the mission before from the city. Had it been with this must have suffered. The |