Report of the Edinburgh Missionary Society, April 19th, 1808.

(Abridged).

THOUGH the missionary family at Karass consists of about 50 individuals, and though, some of them have been visited with sickness during the last year, yet none of them have been removed by death. This is the more remarkable, as, during the summer and harvest months, the plague and other diseases were extremely fatal amongst the na tives. Every precaution was taken, and, under the blessing of God, proved completely successful.

The Directors are happy to report, that the Missionaries have received from his Imperial Majesty a charter for their land, including privileges greater, it is believed, than were ever before allowed to any foreigners; and, it is hoped that as soon as the state of the country shall permit the Missionaries to altend to the cultivation of their land, they will be able, in a great measure, to provide for their own support.

It was stated in the report of last year, that Mr. Brunton had been for some time employed in translating the Scriptures into the Turkish language. Having made considerable progress in this work, both he and his brethren were anxious to have it printed as soon as possible, being persuaded that nothing would more effectually contribute to the overthrow of Mohammedism and the establishment of Christianily, than the circulation of the word of life in a language so generally understood.

The Directors, fully convinced of the incalculable advantages which may result from the accomplishment of this werk, but, owing to the state of the Society's funds, thinking it inexpedient to take the whole expence of it on themselves, transmitted a representation to the British and Foreign Bible Society; who cordially entered into their views, and, with their usual liberality, voted a sum of 6001. for purchasing a new font of Arabic types, and paper sufficient for printing 5000 copies of the New Testament. The types were cast, under

the direction and superintendence of Dr. Clarke. No time was lost in getting these articles ready; and they were shipped for Petersburgh in the month of July, where they arrived before the Baltic was shut. By letters received lately, it appears that in the month of January they were still there; but an opportunity was soon expected of forwarding them to Karass.

So eager, however, were the Missionarics to begin this interesting work, that having procured in Russia some printing paper, they commenced the printing of the New Testament with the types which they had carried out with them; and have already finished the greater part of the Gospel according to Matthew.

They have also printed several small tracts. in which the absurdities of the Koran are exposed, and the leading doctrines and duties of the gospel concisely, but forcibly stated. The circulation of these over a great extent of country, has already produced a considerable sensation among the natives. In the district around Karass, a general attention to the subject of religion has been excited; the violent prejudices against Christianity are greatly abated; many do not scruple to express doubts respecting the truth of Mohammedism; and there is every reason to believe, that not a few would openly renounce it, were they not restrained by the dread of their chiefs. An Effendi, whose name is Shellivy, and who is allowed to be one of the most respectable of their priests, has frankly acknowledged, that he is unable to answer their objections against his religion; and though he still professes to be a Mohammedan, he discovers a high veneration for the gospel, and a deeided attachment to the Missionaries.

Abdy, the old priest, died, in October last, of the plague; to the infection of which his incautious exertions among the natives had exposed him. The Missionaries say, 'It would have been wonderful, indeed, if he had escaped, as he was constantly among those who were ill of the plague, and often

employed in washing the bodies of those who died of it. He was a singular character, and possessed very considerable abilities. There cannot be a doubt that he was speculatively convinced of the truth of Christianity; and frequently he did not hesitate to expose the ab. surdity of the Mohammedan reHigion; notwithstanding which, he was so much influenced by the fear of the chiefs, that he continued to the last to exercise the office of priest among his countrymen. However, he was steady in his attachment to us, and by his death. we have lost a sincere and active friend.'

The Directors feel peculiar pleasure in stating, That the young natives whom Mr. Brunton has ransomed from s'avery, continue to give the greatest satisfaction. The progress which they make in their education is exceedingly encouraging. Several of them can read the Bible.

During last year, several have been added to the church by baptism, after giving satisfactory evidence of their knowledge and piety. Among these the Directors are happy to find the name of Katagerry, the young Sultan. The history of this young man is particularly interesting. He is lineally descended from the Khans of the Crimea, and is allied to some of the greatest families in the east. His father being one of the chiefs near Karass, he became acquainted with Mr. B. soon after his arrival; and has ever since discovered the strongest attachment to him. Mr. B. interested by his amiable disposition, began to instruct him in the principles of Christianity; and it was not long before he perceived its vast superiority to his own religion. It is now more than two years since he renounced Mohammedism, and publicly professed himself a Christian. Since that period, he has not only steadfastly adhered to the profession of Christianity, but zealously endeavoured to spread the knowledge of it among his countrymen. He loses no opportunity of recommending it to their attention, boldly defends it whenever it is attacked,

and discovers the most earnest concern for their conversion. Nor is it with the common people only that he converses; he frequently argues with the Mollas and the Effendis, labouring to expose their absurd opinions and wicked practices to their deluded followers. Hitherto, he has stood firm against all the persecution which he has suffered; neither their promises nor their threatenings having had the least effect in leading him to relinquish his attachment to the gospel.

At his own earnest request, he was publicly baptized in the moth of July. Soon after, he was induced, by the wish of doing something for his own support, to offer his services to the Governor of Georghievsk; by whom he was immediately employed to write in one of the

crown offices.

It is well known that Christianity was once the religion of many countries in the east that are now overspread with Mohammedan darkness. A century has scarcely elapsed, since the Abazas, the Kabardians,and other Circassian tribes, were compelled, at the point of the sword, to exchange the name of Christians for the doctrines of Is

One of

lamism. But though the greater number of the mountain tribes submitted to the will of their conquerors, there were some who successfully resisted: and these, it is said, still profess to be Christians. It is also reported, that some of their old churches are yet standing; and that they have books among them which none of them understand. the most powerful of these tribes is the Sonna, of whom the Missionaries have received many interesting accounts. They have, for a long time, wished to visit thenr, to inquire into the state of religion, to examine their ancient books, and to establish, a friendly communication between them. Hitherto, the political state of the country has prevented them from carrying their wishes into effect; but so important did the measure appear to them, that, notwithstanding the danger of the enterprize, Mr. Paterson resolved to make the attempt. Accordingly, having pro

cured all the information in his power respecting his route, and being furnished with letters to some of the most powerful chiefs in the districts through which he was to travel, he left Karass in the month of October; but on reaching the Cubane, he heard that there had been such a fall of snow on the mountains, as would render it extremely hazardous for him to proceed. He was therefore obliged to return to Karass; but if Providence spare him till the weather become more favourable, the attempi will certainly be renewed.

The Directors have not as yet the means of ascertaining how this mission may be affected by the unhap py dispute between Britain and Russia; but they have the fullest confidence that the family at Ka rass, agreeably to their charter, will be allowed all the privileges of Russian subjects, and be permitted to prosecute their plans without

molestation.

Notice is hereby given, That Informations will be laid against all Tradesmen, Shopkeepers, Artificers, and Workmen in the said Parish, who shall in future keep open Shop, or sell, or expose to sale, any Goods, Wares, or Merchaudize, or exercise their ordmary Calling on the Lord's Day (exccpting as to Works of necessity or mercy, the sale of Milk or Mackerel, and the business of a Baker, under the restrictions prescribed by Law, 48 Geo. III. cap. 70): - and also against all Publicans in the said Parish who shall keep open House,

or receive any Guest, or serve any Liquor on that Day, during the time of Divine Service.

Independently of the obligation which is incumbent on every one to obey both the laws of God, which command that the Sabbath day be kept holy, and those of the land, which prohibit, under certain pe naities, all open profanations of that-day, it is evident that much temporal advantage and comfort would be derived to ali who live by trade or labour, from an entire cessation of their ordinary business and occupations on the Sabbath. It is felt by many tradesmen as a great hardship that they cannot enjoy one day's respite in the week from the fatigues of business, and that they are even deprived of an opportunity of attending public worship! But if some persons of that description open their shops on a Sunday, it is plain that others must either do the same, or risk the loss of their customers. To relieve them from this hardship, it is therefore necessary that the law be applied equally to all, and that no shop whatever be allowed to be opened for the purpose of business during any part of the Sunday. The benefit would then be genetal, and no one would sustain the least injury..

It is no less desirable, for the sake of the inferior classes, that all shops should be kept close shut on the Lord's Day, as, in that case, the labourer would go to market on Saturday night; and much of those earnings which are now spent in the public house, would be laid out for the benefit of his family. It is earnestly hoped that masters will see the necessity of paying their workmen on the Saturday evening, early enough to enable them to purchase those necessaries which, in co sequence of the proposed regulations, they will not be able to procure on Sunday morning,

In many parishes and markels of the metropolis, tradesmen have formed themselves into associations, to enforce the laws for the Observance of the Sabbath; which have already been attended with salutary effect.

The following curious and enthusiastical Letter was lately sent by a Catholic Schoolmaster to a Protestant Gentleman in the north of England (whom he is supposed to have mistaken for a Catholic) requesting his assistance in procuring a situation in Ireland. It is faithfully translated from the Latin, in which it was written:

6

Ar the time when I prosecuted my classical studies, under my maternal uncie, there appeared to me, in a vision, a most beautiful person, arrayed in shining apparel, and thus be addressed me: The Church of Rome is the true, pure, and Apostolic Church; and, with my assistance, shail become great through out the earth. The Church of England, so heretically divided within itself, through malice, hatred, and discord, shall, by my vengeance, be swiftly reduced to a ruined state. What are my people. about, that they present petitions to the heretics? Let them instruct their children in honest aris! was greatly agitated by the dream; and, from that time, have studied and believed the truth of the Roman Religion,

I

When it was understood by my master and uncle, that I believed Baptism, Transubstantiation, Confirmation, Orders, Matrimony, Absolution, and Extreme Unction, to be Sacraments, he was exceedingly angry; and I underwent great persecution.

So, notwithstanding I had diligently studied geometry, geography, navigation, arithmetic, fortification, the military art, mathematics, and all the useful sciences, yet, on account of my professing the Roman Religion, and believing for truth the Articles of that sacred religion and Church, I was turned out of doors by my own father, without either clothes or property.

་

Nevertheless, while in this tribulation, the same person again appeared to me, and said, Arise, and withdraw from this thy native country, to the holy island of Ireland, and there I will direct thee.' This command I have so far obeyed; and now I shall greatly rejoice if,

ORDINATION, &c.

Nov. 3. The Rev. Robert Winton, jun. was ordained over the Independent Church at Chard, Somerset.

Mr. Tozer, of Taunton, delivered the introductory discourse, &c.; Mr. Saltren, of Bridport, of fered the ordination prayer; Mr. Jones, of Plymouth Dock, gave the charge from 1 Tim. iv. 16; Mr. Stevenson, of Trowbridge, preached from 1 Thess. i. 2, 3; Mr. Tracy, of Yeovil; Mr. Varder, of Ottery; and Mr. Herdsman, of South Petherton, engaged in prayer; Mr. Weston, of Sherbourn, preached in the evening; and Mr. Golding, of Fulwood, on the preceding evening. It will afford pleasure to the friends of truth to learn that, after erroneous doctrine had been preached nearly 50 years, and the congre gation had dwindled to 12 or 15 hearers, an evangelical ministry was no sooner introduced, than the cause began to revive. In the course of twelve months, the congregation is become considerable. A Sunday School of 60 children is established, and every thing wears a promising aspect.

Nov. 22. A small neat chapel was opened at Overbury, Worcestershire, when three sermons were preached: that in the morning, by Mr. Jeary, of Rodborough, from Luke vii. 5; that in the afternoon, by Mr. Lake, of Worcester, from Haggai ii, 6-9 and that in the evening, by Mr. Brown, of Ebley, from Luke xix. 9. Messrs. Brown, Richardson, Lake, Whittingham, Sims, and Spilsbury, engaged in the devotional parts of the service. The congregations were respectable, attentive, gratified with the services of the day, and pleased with the prospect of good being done in future. Each seemed to say, 0, Lord! we beseech thee send now

prosperity!' - We wish you success in the name of the Lord.'