information has been derived from German works, may appear harsh, and defective in ease and harmony, to an English reader. For one thing, however, he can vouch, -and on this he would rest his principal claim to the attention of the Public,-the facts, he has related, are all derived from the most authentic sources. Some of these are already before the Public; e. gr. the Histories of the Missions in Greenland and North America. Others, though published several years ago in Germany, have not yet been translated into English. On the arrangement of the several parts of the work, hé deems it unnecessary to say much. His object has been, to give a faithful relation of events in each mission, in chronological order. While but cursorily noticing general occurrences, which were nearly the same in every period and place, he has narrated, at greater length, those facts, which more strikingly exhibit the benign cffects of the gospel in the converts, or exemplify the piety and fortitude of the missionaries. An apology may be required for occasional repetition, and even identity of expression, when occurrences, in every respect similar, formed the subject of the relation, not only in different Missions, but at separate periods in the same mission. In some parts the narrative may perhaps appear redundant; a defect, which the author felt himself unable wholly to avoid, without making his performance a mere register of names and dates; and thus depriving the reader of a knowledge of those facts, which, even in their minuter circumstances, display the operations of a divine hand. The addition of a few prefatory remarks to cach chapter, on the geographical situation, the climate, and other particulars of the country, and its inhabitants, to which the subsequent missionary history relates, as well as the Concluding Observations, appeared necessary to render the narrative more intelligible to the less informed reader. This addition has unavoidably increased the size of the book, and enhanced its price, beyond the author's original intention. He, however, hopes, that he is still offering it at a price, sufficiently moderate, to suit the convenience of most purchasers, who feel an interest in the subject. If by the Divine blessing, the work shall, even in the remotest degree, subserve the cause of Missions among the Heathen, the author's utmost wish will be granted. His fervent prayer is, that the exertions, made in the present age, by christians of every denomination, for the propagation of the gospel, both at home and abroad, may be abundantly blessed by the great Head of his universal church, till every part of the habitable globe shall see the salvation of God, and all the kindreds of the earth join in one harmonious song of praise to HIM, WHO LOVED US, AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD. June 5th, 1818. List of Works, used in the Compilation of the following Sketches. 1. History of Greenland, by David Crantz. Translated from the German. 2. History of the Mission among the Indians in North America, by G. H. Loskiel. Translated from the German by J. C. Latrobe. 3. History of the Brethren, by David Crantz. Translated from the German by Benjamin Latrobe. 4. Continuation of this Work, in 3 Volumes, in German. Not yet translated into English. 5. Select Narratives, extracted from the History of the Unitas Fratrum, in 2 parts, by Jeremiah Risler. Only the first part has been translated into English. 6. Periodical Account, relating to the Missions of the United Brethren, in six Volumes. 7. Brief Account of the Mission among the Esquimaux Indians. 8. Journal of a Voyage of Discovery from Okkak in Labrador to Ungava Bay. 9. Account of the Manner in which the Unitas Fratrum preach the Gospel, and carry on their Missions. Translated from the German. ERRATA. P. 16. l. 5. for former read latter; and for latter read former. 98.-14. for settlements read settlement. 144. 4. for heaving read having; and for harty read hearty. 182.-22. dele so. 285.- 2. for man read men. 285.-12. for we read me. 287.—34. for justly deemed, read justly be deemed. 320.-37. for besides read and. 324. Note* for their read these. -422.-20. for Bonat, read Bonatz. |