hate you, said Christ; not a particular sect or denomination, or country, but the WORLD. The Bible is in the most perfect opposition to every person, and to every thing, in this country; and, therefore, neither it nor its adherents can expect to find much quarter. But God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. Elsewhere, he thus further speaksI found it exceedingly difficult, at times, to prevent my brain from being fevered and my midnight hours from being disturbed, by the lively and quick alternations of hope and fear; arising from those grand movements, which mark the features of the present age, in this oldest and darkest part of the globe -those mighty changes, which, amidst terrible obstacles and terrible judgments, seem fast coming on. Nothing, apparently, will save multitudes of the half. enlightened from falling from the grossest superstitions into the rankest infidelity, but the most extensive and powerful Missionary Effort, accompanied by an extraordinary degree of Divine Influence.

But, in such a country and at such a time as this, we cannot do all that benevolence would prompt us to do. The elements of government here So strangely mixed, so strangely unconnected and discordant, and so terrible from the beginning hitherto—are, at present, also strangely convulsed; and the whole seems more like the ravings of despair or the struggles of the dying, than the well-directed and gigantic efforts of the living. We have fears, but our hopes preponderate.

Though I have told you only a part of what we sometimes feel and fear, and though our beloved suffering brother Asaad Shidiak is still in the hands of the Patriarch, oft in prison and in stripes we know not how excessive; yet I would by no means make the impression on your mind, that there is an end of doing good here.

The state of things among the Maronites of Mount Lebanon is daily assuming a more interesting character. Mr. Bird remarked yesterday, that, on Mount Lebanon, the work of refor

even

The

heavens do, indeed, sometimes gather threatening blackness over our heads; but if we look up, we are always able to discern a bow in the cloud. The struggle here is, doubtless, to be a severe one; but, though Gog and Magog be gathered together, the Lamb shall overcome them. We are not without tokens of our Heavenly Father's acceptance of our poor

services.

A wide and effectual door does, indeed, seem to be opening to us; and work, more than we can do, to be ready prepared for our hands. God is Himself, certainly overturning and overturning; and all that we are doing appears sometimes so feeble, compared with the mighty results, that we only seem to stand still, and see the salvation of God.

In reference to an Armenian Press, Mr. Goodell says

I most ardently wish to pour Fifty Thousand Tracts upon Armenia next year; and to bring all her numerous, enterprising, interesting population un der the influence of heavenly truth. Is it too much to hope, that, before the expiration of the "twenty-five years," we shall be instrumental in raising up for her a holy priesthood, and of making, even her, a peculiar people, sealous of good works?

Remarks by the Board.

The reader has now seen some of the causes which have been put in operation in Western Asia, and also some of their results; and his mind by this time must be prepared for a most animating conclusion-If such causes are sufficient to produce such results in that part of the

world, then must there be there a strong tendency to reformation; just as there was in Central Europe, when Martin Luther made his appearance. Such is probably the fact. And though we are not permitted to hope without solicitude, nor to rejoice without trembling; yet may we both hope and rejoice. The current of public sentiment is manifestly too deep and strong to be diverted from its course. Fire, or sword, or poison, may destroy the converts, who have already become the proofs and pledges of Missionary Success; but belonging, as they do, to all the principal denominations in Syria, and representing all, the news of their martyrdom would everywhere become matter of conversation

and inquiry, and their blood would be like good seed sown in a prolific soil.

What, indeed, is to be the precise nature of the conflict in those countries, and how long it is to last, we, of course, know not. We see, however, a great mingled people beginning to be in motion, and the worst passions of the human heart preparing for a fierce conflict under the worst of governments. But we behold, also, the Spirit of God commencing a benign and mighty agency; and, amidst the blackness and thunderings of the impending storm, we discern the Bow of Promise, the emblem of a presiding Providence.

China.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Arrival of Rev. Dr. Morrison. DR. Morrison's arrival, in the latter part of August, at Singapore was noticed at p. 182. He writes to the Treasurer, on the 24th of October, from Canton

Being spared by the Divine Mercy and preserved by the Power of our Lord, I am, in this distant country, again seated in the same room, and at the same table, from which, during a long period of years, I formerly addressed you. God graciously supported all the members of my beloved family and myself, amidst the dangers of the sea and the tumults of the people. Of the circumstances of our voyage I have already written to you.

On the 6th of September we left Singapore; and, on the evening of the 19th, landed at Macao. All my former Native Domestics and my Old Chinese Teacher were waiting to receive us. The next

day, the Native Christian, Leangafa, made his appearance; and, in social prayer, we returned thanks to God, our Saviour, for His kind preservation of our lives, and that our minds were still kept looking to Jesus. The following Sabbath I recommenced the Religious Services in which we were formerly used to engage. Proceedings of Leangafa, a Native Chris

tian, during Dr. Morrison's Absence. Leangafa presented me with a small Chinese Volume, containing Explanatory Notes on the Epistle to the Hebrews, which he had composed during my absence. It is designed to communicate to Pagans those views of religion, which he derived from the late lamented Dr. Milne. I have read a part of it, and, considering the few advantages which he has

had, the work evinces that he has made the Bible his study; although some parts of his composition receive a shade former paganism. of colour, in the phraseology, from his

He has also written a small Essay in favour of the Christian Religion, entitled, "The True Principles of the World's Salvation," in which he asserts the character of the Eternal God, the Creator of the Universe, in opposition to demons and false gods-inculcates the necessity of a

Saviour from the dominion of sin and from the punishment of guilt-declares that Jesus has made an atonement for the sins of men-and points his countryto the Bible, which European Christians have, he says, at large expense, caused to be translated into Chinese, printed, and given to the people.

men

He has written out a short account of some conversations which he has had with certain of his countrymen, who have casually taken up the Bible.

One conversation took place in a passage-boat. He happened to be reading the Evangelist, Mark: a fellow-passenger took up the book, and cast his eyes on the 9th chap. 9th verse, where these words are found-Till the Son of Man were risen from the dead: the inquirer asked what the rising from the dead meant. Leangafa declared the death and resurrection of Jesus to make atonement for the sins of men-confessed his own faith-and preached salvation to all them who truly receive the Divine Testimony contained in the Scriptures: he spoke, also, of the benevolent miracles of Jesus. His companions scoffingly asked, if he had SEEN these miracles with his own eyes: his answer was, "No; but they

are related in the Sacred Books, which were published in the land of Judea, situated in the Western World, and many nations believe them to be true." "Have you never read," said his opponent, "what the ancient Philosopher, Mang-tsze, said? It would be better for mankind to have no books, than to believe every thing contained in books.' Although the Western Nations believe these books, it is not necessary that we Chinese should believe them: do you believe?" To this, Leangafa replied"Although I never saw the things recorded, I most firmly believe the principles and doctrines contained in the Bible. I know that I have been a very wicked man; and if there be no Saviour to make atonement for sin, it would be impossible for me, either in this life or in that to come, to escape the righteous judgment of God. I therefore firmly believe the truth-obey it-reverence it-and love it. Have you not read what Mang-tsze said on another occasion? A good man may be deceived by a distorted representation of truths and facts, but cannot be deluded so as to believe principles entirely false and utterly absurd;' therefore I believe the principles, although I did not see the facts recorded. Moreover, I have the certainty of my own consciousness that I have been a great sinner and a wicked man." The greater part of the people in the passage-boat laughed and mocked at the conversation: some sat in silence, listening to the things said. The boat reached the shore, and the defender of Heathenism gave no further answer.

Leangafa had another conversation, in his own house, with a man who took up a volume of the Bible and read these words-Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost: 2 Pet. i. 21. This led to a declaration, by the Christian Convert, that the Creator of the Universe was one God; and that the Divine Unity included three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit-that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World-and that the Holy Spirit converts the souls of men, by enlightening the mind to discern the evil of sin and of idolatry, and to perceive the truth of the principles of Divine Revelation." His friend asked him whether he thought that all the Literati of China, the Doctors and Scholars of various degrees, could not understand true principles of morals and

Another conversation occurred with a literary graduate; who took up a volume, and read in the Epistles about the space of an hour: he laid down the volume without saying any thing, either good or bad. The Christian asked him, whether he thought there was any thing reasonable in the book. The answer was-" Some parts are easily understood: in some sentences there is an inverted collocation of words; and there are paragraphs of which I cannot understand the subject spoken of." The Christian answered--" This book being translated by persons from the Western World, there are expressions that are a little rugged. In some parts, foreign customs and allusions to foreign countries are introduced, and therefore those passages are difficult to be understood." The other person then expressed the desirableness of notes, to explain ancient usages and allusions; otherwise, he said, the Book was liable to be despised. Leangafa went on to speak of the Doctrines of the Bible, chiefly concerning God, the Creator of the Universe. The Heathen confessed himself half convinced that the Scripture character of God was the true one, and that foreign nations probably had the true records; but he added, "Idolatry is so deeply rooted, and the people so accustomed to its rites, that if any one desired to change them, it would be next to impossible to do so." The Christian replied—“ With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Thus ended the conversation.

Some Account of Leangafa.

Since my arrival, Leangafa has written a short account of the workings of his own mind, when, as a printer attending in the College Hall at Malacca, he first came under the tuition of Dr. Milne. At first, he mocked the services in his heart; and sought, by attention to the rites of Buddhuism, to quiet his conscience, while he still lived in the practice of lying, sensuality, and other vices. Portions of

the Scriptures which were read, and the exhortations of Christ's faithful messenger, gradually convinced him partially, and rendered his mind more favourable. As no work was allowed on Sundays at the Society's Chinese Press, he employed that day in reading the Bible; and thus he was at last determined to give himself to the Lord, and live to His glory.

His wife professes belief in the Saviour, and has abandoned the worship of idols; but clings still to the honorary homage paid to the names of ancestors.

Leangafa is anxious for the welfare of his boy; who, although baptized, being continually surrounded by Heathens, as a child almost inevitably learns their ways. He regrets, in one of his papers, that he has not been the instrument of converting one person since I left; and, at the same time, expresses his desire to be continued in prosecuting his studies of the Bible, and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. These wishes of his it is my desire to meet.

On Obscurities in Translations of the
Scripture.

Dr. Morrison makes the following judicious observations on this subject

Concerning translations of the Holy Scriptures, Silvestre de Sacy has well remarked, that it is not to be expected "that the Bible should present no obscurity to a reader who takes it up without having previously acquired a sufficient knowledge of the subject." A treatise on the higher mathematics, although translated with equal clearness and correctness, would for ever remain incomprehensible to him who possessed not a profound knowledge of the science: it is the same with respect to doctrines, opinions, and sometimes even to facts. Thus, for example, without a knowledge of the law which commanded the Jews to use during the Passover unleavened bread and to throw away all the old leaven, it would be impossible to comprehend the meaning of those words of St. Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor. v. 7), Purge out, therefore, the old leaven &c. We should be wrong, in such a case, to reproach a translation with an obscurity which is common to it with the text; and which is only surmounted, by those who spoke the original language, by the help of other knowledge or by a commentary.

A translator cannot substitute a commentary for a mere version. It is not

possible to render free from obscurities a translation intended for men entirely strangers to the light of the Gospelunacquainted with the ideas peculiar to Christianity—and ignorant of the history, geography, and customs of Judea and the surrounding countries.

Is it, then, proper to employ translations of the Scriptures, as the first means for converting barbarous (or unevangelized) nations? De Sacy declines giving an answer. I will give my opinion.

It is very proper to put the Books of Divine Revelation into all living languages of mankind; and to employ them in first endeavours to christianize the nations: but it is not proper to neglect the use of other means. The Bible, alone, to a Pagan Chinese, who merely opens and looks at a few passages, may or may not appear unintelligible, according to the portion of Holy Writ that he happens to look at: if he peruse some Chapters in the Apocalypse, he may pronounce them altogether unintelligible: if he look at some of the reasonings of St. Paul, he may call them very obscure; but, even to a casual Pagan, there are many of the Discourses of our Lord perfectly plain and easy to be understood.

The same remark is applicable to the Prophets. For example: in consequence of a great idol-procession, which attracted universal attention here, I last Lord'sDay read to my little flock the Fortyfourth and Forty-fifth Chapters of Isaiah. Many paragraphs of that striking portion of Holy Writ are as plain to a Chinese as to an Englishman; and, perhaps, plainer and more striking, because more applicable: but he knows nothing of Jacob, Israel, or Jesurun: they bring up no associations of ideas to his mind: of Cyrus he knows nothing; and the Almighty breaking in pieces the two-barred gates &c., although so full of important meaning to an European acquainted with the history of Babylon, is to a Chinese Reader utterly unintelligible.

But, on the other hand, to have simply the text of the Bible-for an inquiring, a convinced, or converted Heathen to peruse and study, how great an advantage!-for a Christian Teacher to have it to refer to, as containing the Revelation of God, how important an acquisition! The BIBLE SOCIETY, in uniting all the friends of Christianity to give the text alone to mankind, is doing a work of incalculable benefit to the world. Yet let not the idea go forth that Christian

Teachers and Notes and Comments are utterly useless. So convinced am I of the contrary, that I purpose to spend the remnant of my days in composing Explanatory Notes on the Chinese Bible.

Endia within the Ganges.

BISHOP HEBER ON THE CHARACTER AND STATE OF THE HINDOOS.

WE continue our extracts from the communications of the late Bishop of Calcutta, quoted at pp. 336, 337 of our last Number.

State of Hindoo Civilization.

I met, not long since, with a Speech by a leading Member of the Scotch General Assembly, declaring his "conviction that the truths of Christianity could not be received by men in so rude a state as the East Indians; and that it was necessary to give them first a relish for the habits and comforts of civilized life, before they could embrace the truths of the Gospel." The same slang (for it is nothing more) I have seen repeated in divers pamphlets, and even heard it in conversations in Calcutta. Yet, though it is certainly true that the lower classes of Indians are miserably poor, and that there are many extensive districts, where, both among low and high, the laws are very little obeyed, and there is a great deal of robbery, oppression, and even ferocity, I know no part of the population, except the Mountain Tribes already mentioned, who can with any propriety of language be called uncivilized. Of the unpropitious circumstances which I have mentioned, the former [Poverty] arises from a population continually pressing on the utmost limits of subsistence; and which is thus kept up, not by any dislike or indifference to a better diet or more ample clothing or more numerous ornaments than now usually fall to the peasant's share, (for, on the contrary, if he has the means, he is fonder of external show and a respectable appearance, than those of his rank in many nations in Europe,) but by the foolish superstition, which Christianity only is likely to remove, which makes a parent regard it as unpropitious to allow his son to remain unmarried, and which couples together children of twelve or fourteen years of age: the second [Lawlessness] has its origin in the long-continued misfortunes and intestine wars of India, which are as yet too re

:

the full as convenient as ours: their architecture is at least as elegant and though the worthy Scotch Divine may, doubtless, wish their labourers to be clad in hoddin grey, and their gentry and merchants to wear powder and mottled stockings, I really do not think that they would gain, either in cleanliness, elegance, or comfort, by exchanging a white cotton-robe for the completest suit of dittos.

Nor is it true, that in the mechanic arts they are inferior to the general run of European Nations. Where they fall short of us, which is chiefly in agricultural implements and the mechanics of common life, they are not, so far as I have understood of Italy and the South of France, surpassed in any great degree by the people of those countries. Their goldsmiths and weavers produce as beautiful fabrics as our own; and it is so far from true that they are obstinately wedded to their old patterns, that they shew an anxiety to imitate our models, and do imitate them very successfully. The ships built by native artists at Bombay are, notoriously, as good as any which sail from London or Liverpool. The carriages and gigs which they supply at Calcutta are as handsome, though not so durable, as those of Long Acre. In the little town of Monghyr, S00 miles from Calcutta, I had pistols, doublebarrelled guns, and different pieces of cabinet-work brought down to my boat for sale, which, in outward form, (for I know no further,) nobody but perhaps Mr. could detect to be of Hindoo origin; and, at Delhi, in the shop of a wealthy native jeweller, I found brooches, ear-rings, snuff-boxes, &c., of the latest models, (so far as I am a judge,) and ornamented with French devices and mottos.

The fact is, that there is a degree of intercourse maintained between this country and Europe, and a degree of information existing among the people