Churches which called forth the denunciation of displeasure on the part of our Lord, are now nothing more than abandoned ruins, this Church, together with Smyrna and Thyatira (and this is also the case with Pergamos, which I have not yet visited), still contain flourishing communities of Christians. The pen of a celebrated infidel bears witness to a circumstance which is worthy of notice in regard to Philadelphia. "Philadelphia, alone, has been saved by prophecy or courage. At a distance from the sea, forgotten by the Emperors, encompassed on all sides by the Turks, her valiant citizens defended her religion and freedom above fourscore years; and, at length, capitulated with the proudest of the Ottomans. Among the Greek Colonies and Churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect; a column in a scene of ruins." (Gibbon's Decline and Fall, vol. xi. chap. 64.) It may be added-the circumstance that Philadelphia is now called Allah-Shehr, "the City of God," when viewed in connection with the promises made to that Church, and especially with that of writing the name of the City of God upon its faithful Members, is, to say the least, a singular concurrence. Sardis. April 25, 1826-We left Philadelphia at half-after-ten; and, in seven hours, arrived at a Coffee House, an hour's distance from Sardis. We have the famous Acropolis of that city in full view. To the left of our route, we observed numerous hills, thrown into such singular forms, as to leave no doubt that earthquakes have often here performed their work of destruction. Our day's journey was along the route of the Younger Cyrus, when he commenced his expedition against his brother. We are informed, that there are as many as sixty Greek Houses and one Church within a circuit of moderate extent. April 26-This morning I have visited Sardis once the splendid capital of Lydia, the famous residence of Croesus, the resort of Persian Monarchs, and one of the most ancient and magnificent cities of the world. Now how fallen! The ruins are, with one exception, more entirely gone to decay, than those of most of the ancient cities which we have visited. No Christians reside on the spot: two Greeks only work in a mill here, and a few wretched Turkish huts are scattered among the ruins. We saw the Churches of St. John and the Virgin, the Theatre, and the building styled the Palace of Crosus; but the most striking object at Sardis is the Temple of Cybele. I was filled with wonder and awe, at beholding the two stupendous columns of the edifice, which are still remaining: they are silent but impressive witnesses of the power and splendour of antiquity. I read, amidst these ruins, the Epistle (Rev. iii. 1-6) addressed to the Church once fixed here. What an impressive warning to Christian Churches! A name to live, while dead! Is not the state of religion in Britain precisely such as to threaten punishment like that which has befallen Sardis? A certain portion of religion is at present popu lar: the world approximates a certain distance toward religion, and many persons who would pass for religious seem disposed to advance at least half-way toward the world. Does not this neglect of watchfulness end in many defiling their garments? And if this negligence does not give place to remembrance and repentance and to a strengthening of the things which remain and are ready to die, the consequence will be equally fatal! May God preserve us from the fate of Sardis! From Sardis to Thyatira. From Sardis we took the direction of Thyatira; and first had to cross the celebrated Plain, on which Cyrus overthrew the Empire of Lydia. Upon arriving on the banks of the Hermus, we found that the ferry-boat had been destroyed; and that it would be necessary, in consequence, to ford the river: this appeared to be rather a dangerous enterprise, as the river is both wide and deep: happily a fine Turkish Youth undertook to be our guide; and, riding gallantly at our head, he conducted us to the other side in safety: the water reached to the breasts of the horses. We now approached the immense multitude of lofty barrows or tumuli, which have so justly attracted the admiration of travellers: they cover a very large extent of ground; and are, in general, of very regular forma tion: we were, of course, particularly struck with that which is considered the Tumulus of Halyattes; and which is, probably, the largest artificial hill in the world; but the tout ensemble, more than all, engaged my attention. What a most extraordinary burying-ground! Here, you are ready to exclaim with the prophet-All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house (Isaiah xiv. 18.) Beyond the tumuli, we passed the Gygæan Lake to the right. After a ride of 6 hours we arrived at Mermere: this is a fine large village with a northern aspect, and defended on the south by a rocky and precipitate hill: two Mosques with domes and minarets are very conspicuous I heard only of five or six Greek Houses and one Church. Thyatira: April 27-I have now the favour to write in the Sixth of the Seven Churches. It is about four hours distant from Mermere. On the way, we observed many columns and antiquities, notifying an ancient town. Mr. Arundell discovered an inscription, containing the words, "from Thyatira." Ak-hissar, the Modern Thyatira, is situated on a plain, and is embosomed in cypresses and poplars. The buildings are in general mean; but the khan in which we are at present residing is, by far, the best which I have yet seen. The Greeks are said to occupy 300 houses, and the Armenians 30. Each of them have a Church. Here we witnessed a fine Turkish spectacle. The new Mutselim of Aidin arrived from Constantinople, with a retinue of 200 horse. They were all extremely well dressed and mounted: their turbans were white as snow, and the renowned scymitar of Turkey hung gracefully behind them. I was much struck with the lordly air which they displayed. "It is well," I thought," for Europe, that such cavaliers have no discipline." We paid a visit to the Church of the Greeks: it is a wretched structure: upon opening the door, we had to descend four or five steps into the body of the building. We found a priest, a native of Milo, who was engaged in hearing the confessions of the people. On returning to the khan, I conversed for a considerable time with four or five Greeks, on the study of the Scriptures-the predicted apostacy from true Christianity, and the means which were furnished for detecting it-the inutility of alms for the salvation of man-the necessity of forsaking sin, &c. Nicolas afterward sat up with the same party till midnight, reasoning with them on the most important subjects. I presented the most interesting of these young men with the NewTestament, and cannot but indulge the hope that a useful impression has been made on his mind. The language addressed to Thyatira (Rev. ii. 18-29) is rather different from that of the other Epistles: the commendations (v. 19) are scarcely surpassed even in the Epistle to Philadelphia, while the conduct of some (vv. 20, 21) was impious and profligate: the Church thus exhibited a contrast of the most exalted piety with the very depths of Satan. In too many parts of Christendom we observe a similar state of things even at this day; how important, then, the admonition, That which ye have already, hold fast till I come! And this language is not only designed for those who have recently been brought to the knowledge of Christianity. It is a caution very needful for those who have long been acquainted with its infinite value. The most ostensible danger to Christians is rather after a perseverance of some years, than in the commencement of their Christian career. When religion appears to have become habitual we are in much greater danger of being thrown off our guard, than when we have just been awakened to observe its great importance and our own weakness. Let the follower of Christ be therefore especially careful, lest he lose his crown, after he has won many victories. Let the joy which he feels, under the conviction that he is approaching nearer to the end of all his wishes, be ever tempered with the recollection, that he is still possessed of a heart which is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and that he is still encompassed by a world which lieth in wickedness. When the disposition of fearing always, is united to the character of watchfulness, courage, and simple dependence on the Divine aid, then will be realized obedience to the caution, Hold fast that which ye have. The address to the unfaithful part of the Church at Thyatira is, at once, alarming and inviting. It contains one of those many denunciations of Divine anger which place it beyond all doubt, that God will by no means clear the guilty. Nothing will save them from the indignation of Him, who has revealed himself as a consuming fire to the wicked. The Sacred Writer of the Acts of the Apostles informs us that Lydia was a seller of pur ple, of the city of Thyatira; and the discovery of an inscription here which makes mention of" the dyers" has been considered important, in connection with this passage. I know not if other travellers have remarked, that, even at the present time, Thyatira is famous for dyeing. In answer to inquiries on this subject, was informed, that the cloths which are dyed scarlet here, are considered superior to any others furnished by Asia Minor; and that large quantities are sent weekly to Smyrna, for the purposes of commerce. From Thyatira to Smyrna. April 28, 1826-We left Ak-hissar at halfafter-six in the morning; and, in four hours and-a-half, reached a Coffee House, which is considered half way to Magnesia. The country was uninteresting, and for the most part uncultivated. We observed a flock of 25 vultures close by the road. At half-after-twelve we proceeded on our journey, and arrived, in about five hours, at Magnesia-by-Sypilus. The greater part of the way we were accompanied by a body of Turks, who had been escorting the Pacha of Magnesia on his way to Constantinople : these young men were full of wild freaks, lashing and galloping their horses, and indulging in diversion as much as if heated by wine. A young Moor had nearly paid very dear for his sport: he had a most tremendous fall, his horse appearing to roll completely over him to our astonishment and joy he declared himself unhurt. The view of Magnesia is splendid. Twenty white Minarets tower above the Houses; and Mount Sypilus, a mountain, huge and rocky, impends above. The town itself is cleanly; and, in general, superior in character to the other Turkish towns which I have yet visited. We heard of 800 Greek Houses and one Church, and of two Armenian Churches: the Jews also have a Synagogue. The Scriptures have been sent hither from Smyrna, by Mr. Barker, and very readily purchased. April 29-This morning we ascended part of the steep hill on which the Acropolis is seated. On producing a compass, we found the needle powerfully affected by the ironThe stones of which the hill is composed. prospect from this eminence is extremely beautiful: the Hermus is seen dividing the plain to a great distance; and there, we recollected, was fought the great battle, in which Scipio Asiaticus routed the forces of Antiochus. From Magnesia to Smyrna is a ride of The way leads over Mount eight hours." Sypilus, and is of the most rugged and toilsome description. After travelling for thirtyone days, it was no small pleasure to me to catch sight once more of the Gulf of Smyrna ; and to be approaching a place, where I might enjoy a season of repose, and return once more to my regular duties. The last steps of our journey were over the delicious Plain of Smyrna. For fertility and beauty it is probably unrivalled in Asia. How can I conclude, without expressing my gratitude to the Almighty, for His watchful care, extended toward us during our whole tour! The conviction of His love and favour is my solace and happiness as long as I live upon the earth; and now, having had this new evidence of them, may I be excited to more fervent devotion and to more active obedience! Second Visit to Thyatira. June 15, 1826- Mr. King and I were mounted at four o'clock this morning; and arrived at Ak-hissar, on our way to Constantinople, about one. I regret that circumstances prevent my visiting Pergamos at present, but I have the pleasure of seeing Thyatira a second time. We forded the Hermus considerably above the bridge; at this place and at this season the water is scarcely above the knees of the horses. A second time I crossed the field of battle which was fatal to Antiochus. A very different army is at present ravaging the whole territory. I allude to the Locusts; and I am perfectly astonished at their multitudes: they are, indeed, as a strong people set in battle array: they run like mighty men: they climb the walls like men of war. I actually saw them run to and fro in the City of Thyatira: they ran upon the wall: they climbed up upon the houses: they entered in at the windows like a thief (Joelii. 5, 7, 9.) This is, however, by no means one of the most formidable armies of locusts which are known in these countries. Near Thyatira, we still find very beautiful vegetation: the neighbourhood has a most fertile appearance: the white rose is extremely abundant, and scents the air with a most delightful odour. At Thyatira, we had very delightful intercourse with the Bishop's Procurator and with five Priests. Christ Crucified was the subject of our conversation; and Mr. King addressed the children of the School, 45 in number. We also distributed many Tracts, and gave away two New Testaments; and regretted much that we had not with us a larger supply of books, as a great desire for them was displayed. No one surely will doubt the importance of distributing useful books after hearing the following fact, of which we were informed by a Greek of this place. Two Missionaries, he said, who were doubtless the Rev. Messrs. Fisk and Parsons, had visited Thyatira, five or six years ago, and distri buted books: they had presented him with one; which he had actually lent to more than two hundred persons. Further Account of the Jewish Converts at Constantinople. Our Readers will not be surprised, after the statements given at pp. 205-210 of the Number for April, that the sufferings of the Jews at Constantinople who had embraced Christianity have shaken the constancy of one of them. Mr. Hartley writes, on the 9th of April, where he arrived on his return from Malta (see p. 223) after a quick passage of eleven days I arrived in Constantinople a second time, about a fortnight ago, after an absence of three months. The circumstances of the Jewish Converts continue to excite pain and anxiety. Two of them, John Baptist Castro and John Cohen, still adhere to their profession of Christianity: the third, David Bechas, has returned to Judaism. The conduct of David has been, I find, from the first, a cause of anxiety to the others; and he appears to have displayed, all along, a timid spirit, which nothing but the example and exhortations of his companions maintained so long stedfast: at last, overcome by the length of his sufferings and by the despair of seeing them terminate, he has forsaken Christ, and preferred time to eternity! To me, it is matter of astonishment and gratitude, that they have not all adopted the same resolution. It is almost impossible to conceive the extremity of misery to which these persecuted individuals have been subjected-prison -stripes-chains-threats-hungercold-separation from friends and advisers-constant society with criminals and abandoned characters-severe sicknesses in consequence of their sufferings, without physician and without medicines -confinement in a place, not only des titute of the common comforts of life, but disgusting from its want of cleanliThese are but a part of their distresses! I say it with full conviction, that, to meet death itself, would have been more easy, than to support such a complication of long-continued sufferings. ness. What renders their condition the more deplorable is, that they have no Christian Friend or Minister to instruct them, nor Christian Example to direct them; and, from their previous circumstances, their knowledge of the doctrines and duties of Christianity is but limited. I have had an interview with them once at the gate of the Arsenal, but I cannot obtain such access to them as would give me an opportunity of exercising my proper duties toward them. When I saw John Baptist Castro, he appeared like a man in the last stage of a consumption: I asked him if he felt willing to die: he should wish, he replied, to have an opportunity, pre viously, of bringing some of his country men to the knowledge of the truth. Since they have been in prison, they have been entirely dependent on us for support; having not only suffered the loss of all things, but not having a morsel of bread to eat. Mr. Leeves has advanced money to preserve them from starvation; and, until they are released, they have none else from whom to look for the support of life. In another Letter, Mr. Hartley adds Whether they will ever get out of prison, it is impossible to say. The Jews will, doubtless, leave nothing which hatred the most implacable, assisted by immense sums of money, can do to prevent it. In reference to this affecting case, Mr. Hartley suggests It seems to me of great importance, that a fund should be raised "for the relief of persecuted converts in Turkey." Without assistance of this kind, every Jew who becomes a Christian is in danger of perishing, if not by the bow-string or the sword, at least by hunger and destitution. The truth cannot make progress here without commotion. Nevertheless we will go ONWARD, in the name of the -Lord! Progress of Light in Turkey. With regard to Missionary Proceedings in general, I think that we may consider them encouraging. Numerous opportunities present themselves of instructing individuals in the truths of religion; and I fully expect to be employed in this manner, without intermission, the whole summer. In fact, as your number of acquaintances increases daily, occasions of usefulness run on almost without limit in so immense a city as Constantinople. These opportunities are more frequent among the Greeks, than any other body: but I am happy to inform you, that the door is opening for us among Roman Catholics also, and that our books are received by many of them with eagerness. It is also worthy of remark, that those very books which are in most direct opposition to their Church are received with the greatest pleasure; such, for example, as " Popery, a Novelty "-Tillotson against Transubstantiation-Tillotson on the Necessity of Reading the Scriptures-"Andrew Dunn," &c. I ardently long for full and separate works against each of the principal tenets of Popery: these books not only open men's understandings on their own peculiar subject, but they induce them to study books more readily on the experimental doctrines of Christianity. July, 1827, I also hear that the inquiry has been made amongst Roman Catholics, "Why do not the Protestants open a regular Church in Pera? Turks, Jews, Greeks, Latins, all have their respective Places of Worship-why not Protestants ?"the meaning was, a Church for the Natives of the country. These and other circumstances indicate that LIGHT IS SPREADING. Wherever, indeed, I go in the East, I find persons who are beginning to see into the errors of their different communions. I would not, however, have it understood, that men are to be met with in these countries, who know yet what it is to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. I have a most encouraging conviction that such characters will ere long be found; but too many, alas! we meet with, who while they abandon the yoke of Popery do not abandon the service of sin; and that gigantic fortress, which Satan has been erecting and fortifying for so many ages in the East, will not fall without a tremendous conflict. May God give grace to those of us who have entered on this arduous but glorious service, to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ-to fight a good fight-and hereafter to join in an universal ascriptionThanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! I hear, at intervals, of different Jews, who appear to believe in the Messiah: they are, however, so closely watched, that it is almost impossible to have intercourse with them. A Jew cannot call once upon a Missionary, without danger of the severest punishment. Mr. Jowett at Malta- The Italian Books against Popery are getting on nobly. Notwithstanding the threats and sermons which are pronounced against them, a great number has been circulated, with much advantage; and I believe that they are now extensively read. I much regret that we have not a greater number of powerful works of the same description. Do all in your power to expedite the Italian Translation of the History of the Reformation. These are, beyond a doubt, the kind of books which we need at this time: the longer we delay presenting them to perishing sinners, the longer we leave them without the means of escape: the sooner and the more fully we display to them 2 U all the awful abominations of their religion, the sooner we shall be instrumental in bringing multitudes to that Saviour, whose blood alone cleanseth from all sin. Visit of Missionaries from Egypt to Syria and the Holy Land. The proceedings of the Society's Missionaries in Egypt were stated at pp. 250-253 of our last Number. Mr. Krusé and Mr. Lieder remain in Egypt; but their associates have proceeded to Syria: they left Caïro on the 30th of January, and arrived at Beyrout on the 18th of February. Mr. Kugler writes from that place, on the 5th of March We have now spent here about a fortnight; and, during that time, have been greatly blessed among the Brethren here. The Cause of the Lord is prosperous all the Brethren are in peace together, and are very active. Br. Gobat and I intend to leave Beyrout to-morrow for Damascus ; in company of a late Armenian Bishop, and Br. Nicolayson of the Jews' Society. The English Consul has had the kindness to give us, without our having requested him, a Letter of Introduction to the recently-nominated Pacha, whom we shall probably have the honour to see at Damascus. Br. Mueller and our Girgis go direct to Safet, where we hope to meet them again. We make considerable progress in the Amharic. Br. Gobat and myself can already make ourselves understood in this language: we jointly praise the Lord for His so graciously assisting us. Girgis reads much in the Four Gospels, and gives good proof that he has got a sound knowledge of them: this circumstance often leads to conversation. We, of course, mention here and there an error of the Abyssinian Church; and the man is, indeed, ready to give up immediately every argument, if he can see himself convinced out of Holy Scripture. We often regret that we have not yet got the Acts of the Apostles or the Epistles printed in Amharic; since these pieces of Holy Writ speak so directly against the errors of the Abyssinian Church. As soon as Girgis sees proofs out of Holy Scripture, he is silent; and acknowledges himself to be in error. We have the intention to spend the next Easter in Jerusalem; from whence, if it pleases the Lord, I will write further. Mr. Mueller writes to Mr. Jowett from Beyrout,on the 10th of March— The Brethren Kugler, Gobat, and Nicolayson left Beyrout on the 6th, for Damascus. I thought it better to stay here a few days with our Abyssinian on Monday, we intend to leave this place for Safet. In Safet, Mr. Nicolayson and myself intend to stay for some time, studying Arabic: he speaks Arabic already very well, and has a Teacher in his house. I hope, therefore, by the blessing of God, to profit something there with regard to the language. Brn. Gobat and Kugler and our Abyssinian intend to proceed from Safet to Jerusalem, and see what they can do there if Ysa Petros should have time to give lessons, it is probable that I may go on thither with Mr. Nicolayson, after we have been some time studying in Safet. Beyrout has benefited me very much, in every respect. The Brethren are men of God. Their labour has not been in vain in the Lord. Antichrist is, in deed, very much against them, in proportion as they are against him. But, the Lord reigneth! Let the earth rejoice! Our health is, God be thanked! in a pretty good state. Br. Gobat and myself feel, now and then, a little unwell; We intend to stay but still we go on. in Syria and the Holy Land till July or August, and then to return to Egypt. I hope the Lord will bless my efforts with respect to the Arabic Language, that I may soon be useful in His vineyard. I only wish Malta a little heart into your bosom. But the Lord, nearer then I would go and empty my who has been till now my Counsellor and my Guide, will continue to lead me in the way of truth: this is my comfort in my present bereaved state. He has promised to be with us unto the end of the world. Br. Gobat and I wrote to you in January from Caïro: I did not think at that time that I should proceed with the Brethren; but, after weighing circumstances, we judged it best that I should accompany them hither. AMERICAN BOARD OF MISSIONS. PROCEEDINGS OF REV. JONAS KING. MR. KING's departure from Syria was stated at p. 37 of the Survey: his intercourse with Mr. Hartley, at Smyrna and at Constantinople, |