And this should be the attitude of every disciple. None are exempt from the appointment, none are destitute of the qualification. None are without fitnes for the work, and none are at liberty to decline it. It may easily be said by some, My ability is very small;' and without entering into any augument on this point, I only say, that whatever it may be, it is enough, with God's blessing, to convert sinners. Besides, does not Christ know what it is? Is it not such as he has given you? Is it not such as he requires to be employed? Do you presume to say that what he has prepared for beneficial action is unfit for it; or that what he demands for this purpose shall be refused? However small a portion, you still are a portion of the salt of the earth: see that you act as such. The less your talent, the more need of activity. Beware lest your plea of incompetency be but a cloak for your indolence. Do not so much covet the ability of others, as show diligence in the application of your own. · It may with equal ease be said by others, My station is obscure, and my influence small.' Granted but you will also admit, on the other hand, that, however narrow your circle may be, it is nevertheless a circle of some dimensions that you occupy. You do not stand alone upon the earth. You have some relatives, acquaintance, and neighbors. And are they all pious? If you were to try earnestly, could you not reach any who are living without God? Behold then your duty. Labor for the conversion of these unhappy persons; and wrap yourself no longer in the delusion, that in this direction Christ can require and expect nothing from you. It may with truth be alleged by a third class that they are excessively busy, and are thrown into situations in life which demand all their time and all their power; they surely may leave the work of converting sinners to more leisure hands. Yes; if you are willing to abandon your hope of salvation, and to give up your interest in Christ; but not else. If you are his disciples, you are also the salt of the earth; and not the busiest man in the world is at liberty to relinquish one part of the character, and to imagine that he can retain the other. Be assured that this is the fact; and that however closely engaged, you ought to find, and may find, if you are disposed, means of specific exertion for the salvation both of your domestic inmates, your acquaintance, and your neighbors; while a similar aim may run through even the busiest of those busy hours, which, so far from becoming a plea for your total exemption from labor, ought to be regarded as furnishing you with incessant opportunities of promoting this blessed end." Were we to consult our feelings, we should make more copious extracts from this excellent little volume. But we trust the friends of evangelical truth will procure it for their own perusal. We wish to see it extensively circulated among all our churches, and, indeed, among Christians of all denominations. For we believe, that were its appeals suitably felt, and its counsels generally regarded, Zion would awake and put on strength-and the Lord would arise and have mercy upon her, for the time to favor her, yea, the set time would have come. MISSIONARY REGISTER. FOR MAY, 1831. SUBSCRIPTIONS and donations to the General Convention of the Baptist De. nomination in the United States, for Foreign Missions, &c. should be transmitted to Heman Lincoln, Esq. Treasurer, at the Baptist Missionary Rooms, No. 52, Washington Street, Boston. The communications for the Corresponding Secretary should be directed to the same place. DEATH OF MISSIONARIES. It was our pleasing office in the last Number, to announce the safe arrival of the Rev. Mr. Skinner and his family, at the field of their benevolent labors in Liberia. He looked forward with the elevated hope of contributing to diffuse Christian knowledge to the benighted and injured sons of Africa; but his ardent and benevolent labors on earth have now terminated. In relation to Mr. and Mrs. Skinner's arrival, a letter from Africa states: "We hailed their arrival in this land with much joy: and anticipated from the abilities of both, and their devotedness in the cause they had espoused of disseminating the glorious light of the gospel, many great and important blessings; and that the time of harvest in this distant part of the field had now come. Especially, as just before then we had experienced as great a revival of religion throughout the whole Colony as ever was witnessed I think in this part of Africa, and many were added to the Church by baptism, and we trust savingly converted. The very next day after brother Skinner's arri val we were blessed to baptize seven more young converts; on which solemn occasion he was not only present, but cordially united in the performance of that most sacred ordinance at the water's edge. And in the evening, administered the Lord's Supper to us in a manner truly edifying, and with a degree of solemnity that was altogether suited to the time and holy ordinance; his whole soul seemed to have been engaged in setting forth the dying love of Jesus." Mr. S. has been suddenly arrested in his course. God's judgments are in the great deep, and his footsteps are not known. It is now our painful duty to record the entire extinction of this Missionary family. Attacked by the African fever, each member successively became a victim to death. Mr. Skinner thus describes the death of his children and wife. "The 7th day of January was my birth day, and I was led to reflect on the goodness of God to me; we had all had the fever so common to this climate, and were so far recovered as to be comfortable; but on the next day, which was the 8th, we were called Mrs. Skinner bore her death with a upon to part with our dear Ann Eliza. christian fortitude. On the 13th my wife was delivered of a son, which on the same day was buried by the dear remains of Ann Eliza; and on the same day, I took the parting kiss of the breathless corpse of my dear companion, Eliza. She was buried on the 14th. Thus in the short space of five days, I ceased to be a father and a husband; coffins enclosed all from which I had anticipated domestic comfort. I enjoyed not the consolation in my afflictions of the company of parents, solation to think I had done all in my brothers, or sisters; but I had the confriends had waited upon her, and done power for her, and that numerous kind everything that was in their power to do. Governor Mechlin kindly offered his assistance, and was her physician through her sickness; but I have still greater consolation than this, that from the first time of my acquaintance with her, everything in her life has given me reason to believe that she was what she professed to be, a Christian; and that the cause of God and of souls was entwined about her heart, and that she is now with Christ, enjoying more, far more felicity, than she ever did, or even could here. She said after the death of Ann Eliza, she had no expectation that she should live. Referring to the prospect of her own death, she said with an air of submission, The Lord reigns. Her only desire to live was, that she might be useful to Africa." After the death of his wife and children, Mr. Skinner embarked for this country in the ship Liberia, bound for Philadelphia. For a season, anticipations were cherished of his recovery. Even the day before his decease, he was walking the cabin. But early on the morning of the 5th of March, he was called from earth, and we doubt not joined his companion in the heavenly state. His body was committed to the deep; but on the morning of the resurrection, when the sea shall give up its dead, his mortal part shall be resuscitated, and arise to meet the Saviour in the skies. We hope in a future Number to present a Memoir of this lamented Minister of Christ and devoted Missionary of the Cross. On Saturday, February 5th, Mrs. Jones, the companion of the Rev. Evan Jones, of the Valley Towns, was called from her earthly labors to a mansion on high. "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was her strong hold: and well did it sustain her hopes, in the trying hour: giving her the victory over the king of terrors. She has been a faithful laborer in the missionary field, for ten years; and in her last days greatly rejoiced to witness the prosperity of her Saviour's kingdom among the Cherokees. She always cherished an ardent desire for the conversion of the Indians, and watched and encouraged, with the most tender concern, every symptom of turning to God, among those who were placed under her care, or who came under her notice. She was also a diligent and well qualified teach. er of youth. But the Lord has called her from her toils, and wiped all tears from her eyes, and chased all anxiety from her mind. She died in full assurance of a glorious resurrection.' BURMAN MISSION. It is gratifying to the friends of Missions, to perceive that an increased interest in this great enterprise is apparent in our denomination,through the United States. The number, whose hearts are deeply impressed with the magnitude of the object, is constantly augmenting, and pecuniary aid is furnished with increasing cheerfulness. This awakened interest does not appear to result from any temporary excitement, but from a more extended knowledge of the wants of the heathen, which Mrs. Judson's Memoir and other works have placed before the public, and from a consciousness of the great obligation which devolves on the disciples of Christ to communicate the gospel to all nations. We may therefore pleasingly anticipate, that benevolent effort will constantly increase, and Christian obligation be more deeply felt, as correct information shall be more generally diffused. The Board have recently appointed another printer to join the establishment in the Burman empire, and means will be adopted to prosecute with vig. our the great ohject of giving the Bible to the Burmans. Various communications have been received from the Missions since our last Number. Some of which we now lay before our readers. FROM MR. JUDSON. Prome, August 23d, 1830. Dear brethren and sisters, Tired of minuting down the events of each day, I have written nothing since my last date, July 16th. My time has been spent in the same way, as stated in the first part of that month. At one period the whole town seemed to be roused to listen to the news of an eternal God, the mission of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the way of salvation through his atonement. A considerable proportion of the hearers became favorably disposed. At length the enemy assumed a threatening aspect; the poor people became fright ened; many sent back the tracts they had received; and there was a general falling off at the zayats. I was summoned to undergo a long examination at the court house, not however on the subject of religion, but concerning all my past life, since I have been in Burmah. The result was forwarded to Ava. The magistrates still preserve a perfect neutrality, in consequence of the absence of the governor. At Ava, I have been regarded as a suspicious character, ever since I deserted them at the close of the war, and went over to the British. I know not what impressions the governor of this place will there receive, or how he will feel towards me, when he is informed of the noise I have made in Prome during his absence. On hearing of the declining health of brother Boardman, and brother Wade's intention of leaving Rangoon for Maulmein, I had some thoughts of returning immediately to Rangoon. But on further consideration and prayer, 1 feel, that I must work while the day lasts at Prome. I have some company at the zayats every day, and crowds on days of worship. Most of the hearers are opposers; but I observe in distant corners, those who listen with eagerness. There are five persons who have, I trust, obtained a little grace; but in the present dark time, they give no satisfactory evidence. August 30. Since my last letters from Rangoon, I think continually of brother Boardman, and the great loss we are threatened with. May the Lord direct and support him and our dear sister. September 8. The rise of the river has, for several days, prevented my going to the zayats, they being situated in a distant part of the town. I have employed myself in revising brother Wade's Investigator, and send herewith a clean copy. In return, I hope to be favored with a few hundred printed copies. It is a piece of great merit, and ought to be brought to bear on the enemy, without delay. An edition of three thousand will not be too large. I have already sent down some corrections for brother Board man's "Ship of Grace." That piece is well written, but not so well adapted for present service. It is, however, acceptable among the converts; and I should be glad to see in it print, especially if the author should be taken away, that being dead he may yet speak. His Scripture extracts, I have no doubt, will be as judicious as can Le made; and the work ought to be put into immediate circulation. We have had one new inquirer of a most promising appearance, a secretary of the deputy governor. He had repeatedly visited me at the zayats; at length, he came to the house, and finally began to attend our evening worship. But alas, as has been the case with all our good inquirers, he met, I suppose, with some violent threatening, and a few days ago, suddenly and entirely disappeared. Old Oo Myat-pyoo, mentioned July 15th, sends me word, that he reads our writings every day, and thinks of us constantly; but begs we will never mention to any person, that he formerly visited us! As for Moung A, he has privately left the place altogether, for what reason we cannot ascertain. You can have no idea of the fear of government, which pervades all classes. I never saw so much of it before. My present expectation is, that the way will be clear for me to leave this for Rangoon the latter part of this month. A. JUDSON. To the Missionaries at Maulmein, and the Rev. Dr. Bolles, Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. MR. JUDSON'S JOURNAL. Below Prome, Sept. 18, 1830. Afloat on my own little boat, manned by none other than my three disciples, I take leave of Prome and her towering god, Shway Lan-dau, at whose base I have been laboring, with the kindest intentions, for the last three months and a half. Too firmly founded art thou, to be overthrown at present; but the children of those, who now plaster thee with gold, will yet pull thee down, nor leave one brick upon another. The government visiter, Moung Ky. wet-nee, who recommenced visiting us a few days ago, has been hanging The sun is just setting. We could not get our boat ready earlier in the day; and as it is Saturday evening, we intend to proceed as far as Men-dai, in order to spend the Lord's day there. There is no period of my missionary life, that I review with more satisfaction, or rather with less dissatisfaction, than my sojourn in Prome. This city was founded several hundred years before the Christian era. Through how many ages have the successive generations of its dark inhabitants lived and died, without the slightest knowledge of the great Eternal, and the only way of salvation which he has provided! At length, in the year 1830, it was ordered, that a missionary of the cross should sit down in the heart of the city, and from day to day, for above three months, should pour forth divine truth,in language which,if not eloquent and acceptable, was, at least, intelligible to all ranks. What a wonderful phenomenon must this have been to celestial beings, who gaze upon the works and dispensations of God in this lower world! It was necessary to the accomplishment of the divine purposes, that after so many centuries of darkness, there should be just such an exhibition of light as has been made, and no more. Thousands have heard of God, who never, nor their ancestors, heard before. Frequently in passing through the streets, and in taking my seat in the zayats, I have felt such a solemnity and awe on my spirits, as almost prevented me from opening my lips to communicate the momentous message, with which I was charged. How the preacher has preached, and how the hearers have heard, the day of judgment will show. Blessed be God, there are some, whose faces I expect to see at the right hand of the great Judge. The young man just mentioned, the carpenter Moung Shwayhlah, a poor man, by name Moung Oo, in addition to some others, mentioned in former letters, give us reason to hope, that they have received the truth in good and honest hearts. Many also there are, who have become so far enlightened, that I am sure they never can bow the knee to Shway Landau, without a distressing conviction, that they are in the wrong way. Farewell to thee, Prome! Willingly would I have spent my last breath in thee and for thee. But thy sons ask me not to stay; and I must preach the gospel to other cities also, for therefore am I sent. Read the five hundred Tracts that I have left with thee. Pray to the God and Saviour that I have told thee of. And if hereafter thou call me, though in the lowest whisper, and it reach me in the very extremities of the empire, I will joyfully listen and come back to thee. Men-dai, Sept. 19. Spent the day in the zayat which I formerly occupied. The crowds were very noisy, but some listened with attention. Distributed nearly a hundred tracts. Mai Goo came from her village, with two other women, one of whom appears to have grace. But Mah Win-yo and Mah Ping were not seasonably apprized of our arrival. Just at night dropped down to a small village below Men-dai, that we might have a little evening worship by ourselves. Near Rangoon, Sept. 24. We have distributed four hundred tracts between this and Men-dai, having touched at many of the principal places, and spent an hour or two or a night, as we could make it convenient. We should have stopped oftener and staid longer, had not our stock of tracts become exhausted. Sept. 25. Came in sight of my old acquaintance Shway Da-gong-landed once more in Rangoon-Repaired to the house lately occupied by brother Wade. Since his departure, I find that some efforts have been made to check the progress of religious inquiry. At one time, men were stationed at a little distance, on each side of the house, to threaten those who visited the place, and take away the tracts they had received. Reports were circulated that government was about to make a public example of heretics; the crowds, that used to come for tracts, all disappeared, and Ko Thah-a, who continued to occupy the house, became intimidated, and retreated to his own obscure dwelling. Things are, therefore, at a very low ebh. But we trust in God, that the tide will flow again in its own appointed time. |