TH

An Abridgment of Bryant's Ob- as it warned them not to fall into servations upon the Plagues in the same or any similar idolatry, flicted upon the Egyptians; when they had seen it thus dein which are shown the pecu-based and exposed, and attended liarity of those judgments, and with such accumulated evil. their correspondence with the The Egyptians honoured the rites and idolatry of that peo-Nile with a religious reverence; ple. and valued themselves much upon the excellence of their HE judgments of God up- river. They looked upon this on Pharaoh and the Egyp-river not only as consecrated to tians, in the time of Moses, were a deity, but as their chief navery significant in their opera- tional god, and worshipped it tion; and particularly adapted accordingly. Upon solemn octo the people upon whom they casions, the people who lived were inflicted. They would have near the river made invocations been marks of divine power to to it as their chief guardian and any nation upon earth; but they protector. They supposed that were remarkably pointed in res- it gave birth to all their deities, pect to the Egyptians. In every who were born upon its banks : instance they had a strict refer- and there were festivals and ence to their idolatry; such as rites, stiled Neiloa sacra, which cannot be so particularly applied were observed all over Egypt. to any other people. They And as they received so much were therefore peculiarly pro- benefit from this river, they held per, as they had a direct tenden-water in general as sacred. cy to show the absurdity of the idolatry which prevailed in Egypt and other places, and of consequence to keep the Jews from embracing that idolatry.

The first Plague. THE RIVER TURNED TO BLOOD. Exodus vii. 17-21.

The people must therefore have felt the utmost astonishment and horror, when they beheld their sacred stream changed and polluted; and the divinity which they worshipped so shamefully foiled and debased. These appearances must also have had a salutary effect upon the Israelites; as they were hence warned not to accede to this species of idolatry, but to have it ever in contempt as well as abhorrence.

This judgment brought upon the Egyptians is very remarkable, and introduced with great propriety, though the scope of It may not at first be obvious. There is another circumstance It was a punishment particular-worthy of notice in this Plague: ly well adapted to that blinded" The river was turned into and infatuated people; as it blood." The Egyptians, and showed them the baseness of especially their priests, were par those elements which they re-ticularly nice and delicate in verenced, and the insufficiency their outward habit and rites; of the gods in which they trust- and there was nothing which ed. And this knowledge was they abhorred more than blood. very salutary to the Israelites; They seldom admitted any bloo

dy sacrifices; and with the least | sanctity and excellence they were

stain of gore they would have thought themselves deeply polluted. Hence this evil brought upon them must have been severely felt; as "there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt."

so much persuaded. Its streams by this means became a second time polluted and disgraced, to the utter confusion both of their gods and priests. The land also was equally defiled, and their palaces and temples rendered hateful; so that every inhabitant was infected, and had no way to perform any lustration, and to cleanse himself from the filth with which he was tainted.Every stream and every lake was in a state of pollution.

Among the Egyptians the Frog was an object both of rev

It is moreover said, "that the fish that were in the river died, and the river stank." The offensive vapour from the waters must have been a great aggravation of the evil to people of such external purity as the Egyptians, who abhorred all animal corruptions. And what is said concerning the fish is of conse-erence and abhorrence, as many quence, for all the natives of the objects are known to have been river were in some degree es- among particular nations. And teemed sacred. In many parts it was very consistent with divine the people did not feed upon wisdom to punish the Egyptians them. The priests in particular both with what they abominated, never tasted fish; and this on and with what they idly reveraccount of their imputed sancti-enced. ty; for they were sometimes considered as sacred emblems, at other times worshipped as real deities.

This people worshipped the sun under the name of Osiris. Of that luminary the Frog was considered as an emblem. This animal also, like the tortoise, crocodile, &c., was an emblem of preservation in floods and inundations; and as such was held sacred by the Egyptians. Indeed most aquatic animals in Egypt were sacred and emblematical; and all in

Thus the punishments bro't upon the Egyptians bore a strict analogy with their crime. They must therefore have been greatly alarmed when they beheld their sacred stream defiled with blood, their land infected, and themselves almost poisoned with their offensive deities. Hereinspiration of old was supposed to were verified the words of God to Moses," Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment."

The second Plague. FROGS. Exodus viii. 1-14.

This Plague, like the former, arose from the sacred river of the Egyptians, in which they so much confided, and of whose VOL. I. NO. 2.

arise from fountains and streams. Therefore, as Frogs were of the aquatic tribe, they were originally characteristics of the priests and prophets of Egypt.

The author of the Apocalypse continually alludes to symbolical characters, which prevailed of old. In Chap. xvi. 13. speaking of illusions, with which the world was to be affected, he says, " I saw three unclean spirK

its like Frogs, come out of the mouth of the dragon, &c.

From hence we may conclude that these animals were of old types of magicians, priests, and prophets, particularly those of Egypt. If this be true, the miracle, which Moses at this time exhibited, was attended with a wonderful propriety in respect to Pharaoh and his wise men; and at the same time afforded a just punishment upon the whole of that infatuated people.

The third Plague. LICE. Exodus viii. 16-19.

We may from hence judge what an abhorrence the Egyptians showed towards the vermine with which they were infested in this plague, and what care was taken to guard against them. The judgments therefore inflicted by the hands of Moses were adapted to their prejudices, and they were made to suffer for their false delicacy, in placing the essence of religion in external cleanliness, to the omission of things of real weight. The judgment of Lice was attended with such propriety in its direction, that the priests and magicians perceived immediately from what hand it came. They said, "This is the finger of God."

[To be continued.]

The Christian Scriptures to be the principal Means of converting the Heathen.

N the third chapter of the epis

IN

It has been mentioned that the Egyptians affected great external purity; and were very nice both in their persons and clothing. Uncommon care was taken that they might not harbour any vermine. They were particularly solicitous upon this head; thinking it would be a great profanation of the temple which they entered, if any animalcule of this sort were concealed in their garments. Tho' their gods were contemptible and ridiculous, and their rites filthy and obscene; yet their worship was carried on with an appearance of outward purity, and a scrupulous show of cleanliness. The people in general wore a woollen garment overanother of linen; but they laid aside the former when they approach- Until the time of the Chrised their deities, for fear that it tian dispensation, the care of should harbour vermine. On the oracles of God or canonical this account, the priests abstain- scriptures, was entrusted to the ed entirely from all woollen rai- Jews. From the time of Abrament, and wore only one cov-ham to the introduction of Chrisering, which was of linen; and tianity, the Jewish nation conbesides bathing continually, they tained the true Church of God. used other precautions that they When we read the history of might not incur any impurity. this church, we find them dis

tle to the Romans, the sacred writer proposes these questions: "What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision?" To which, by inspiration of the Spirit of God, he answers, " Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God."

direct means for their conversion to Christianity, is to introduce among them the oracles of God. Blessed be the Spirit, which is excited in the Christian world, for instructing the heathen in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This

tinguished by great and precious privileges. In addition to a special preservation by divine providence, they were furnished with the means of religion. A visible worship was instituted among them; in distinction from other nations, they were acknow-is a sure presage that the day is ledged as the people of God; near, when wars and rumours of and, even their civil state was wars shall cease; still, we do under the special direction of not anticipate these times until heaven. A succession of pro- more vials of the wrath of God phets was raised up, through are poured on the earth. Whatmany ages, to instruct them on ever judgments may intervene all interesting occasions. Al- between the present and that though, for their ingratitude blessed time, Christians ought to and other sins, they were often be preparing the means for the reproved and subjected to heavy spread of the gospel. Miracujudgments: yet, they were dis-lous interpositions of providence tinguished from other people by are not to be expected, when many blessings. To them per-means, sufficient for the purpose, tained the adoption, and the glo-are appointed and placed within ry and the service of God. The the power of man. The propagaLord said, that from among all the nations of the earth, he had chosen them to be his people; and they continued to be thus distinguished, until they rejected Christ, the Lord of glory. Of this people it is said, "What advantage hath the Jew?" It may truly be answered, much every way, for they had many privileges of which all other people were destitute: yet, it appears their advantage chiefly consisted in having the oracles of God, the written scriptures. By these, at all times, they were admonished, reproved and in-ever pious and ardent in their structed: In these, they were taught the character of the true God, his purposes of mercy to men, and their own duty. A knowledge of the holy scrip-ous; to others, their attention tures is the greatest advantage, which any person or people can have for salvation. The greatest benefit, which can be done to a heathen people; and the most

tion of Christianity, through the world, must be effected, like other great objects, by the exertions of those, who are friends of the cause. In this great work, by experience and much reflection, men must learn the best means for success. Sending Missionaries to heathen nations is one of the first expedients, which human wisdom would propose, and is doubtless necessary: still, this doth not supersede other exertions, and may not be the most powerfulmeans which can be used.-Missionaries, how

love of the truth, like other Christians, are frail men. In some points of doctrine and duty, they may be ignorant or errone

may not be called. Their personal defects, by ignorant people, may be adduced as arguments against the doctrines they teach.

In the holy scriptures, only,

and transmit whatever may be given for this purpose.

Note...Robert Ralston, Esq. an eminent merchant in Philadelphia, the last year, transmitted to India the sums collected in America.

The Rev. Timothy Dwight, D.D. of New-Haven, and Mr. Peter W. Gallaudet, merchant in Hartford, were receivers in this State.

The following Letters are copied from the Evangelical Intelligencer, published in Philadelphia.

Extracts from Letters just receved by the Susquehannah, from the Rev. Dr. CAREY, Serampore.

TO THE REV. DR .STOUGHTON.

July 30, 1807.

My Dear Brother.

I JUST drop a few lines by Mr. Drinker, to show you that I have not forgotten you.

we find the truth, pure, unmixed and uncontaminated with human opinions; also, it is expressed in a manner, which most powerfully affects the mind. It hath pleased God to bless his word for the conversion of sinners and the comfort of his own children. Is there not reason to hope, he will give additional evidence of its truth, by making it a principal means of converting the heathen? Or, is there reason to expect they will become believers, through the preaching of men, before they have the oracles of God, in a language they understand? Can any friend of Christ, who finds it one of his greatest daily comforts to read a portion in the scriptures, refuse his mite to the blessed purpose, of translating and publishing them in those languages, understood by millions of people, who know not the true God or his Son the Saviour of men. Until the heathen, who understand letters, receive the scriptures in a language they know, the most powerful and the most probable means for their conversion will not have been used. The Christians in India, aided by the munificence of their brethren in other parts of the world, are attempting to translate the scriptures intoa number of languages, which are understood through an immense and most populous part of the earth. Our Christian charity, the last year, was addressed on the subject. Col-young man has had a classical lections were made in America, and the receipt of such sums, as were first transmitted, has been acknowledged from India. It is presumed the same gentlemen, if requested, will receive

It has always been my opinion, that all in America, whose hearts the Lord stirs up to this work, should either go to the Indians on the back parts of their own country, or to the neighbouring islands, Cuba, St. Domingo, &c. I hope their fields will be soon occupied with labourers in the harvest of the Lord.

We expect to baptize two persons next Lord's day. One, a soldier in the fort, will be the first baptized in Calcutta ; the other is a young man, whose father is a clergyman in Pembrohoshne, a rural dean. The

education; having been intended for the ministry in the Church of England. God has, in a wonderful manner brought him to an acquaintance with himself in the gospel, and he has proposed to unite with us in the work of