On the 23d of April he adds ; "In my last letter I gave you but a melancholy account of the state of pub. lic affairs in this country. I am sorry to be obliged to add, that they have, at present, arrived at a state still more distressing; and what may yet happen, it is not easy to foresee. Every day brings some fresh blow on the Greek Nation; and, as far as the efforts of our Society for their spiritual benefit are concerned, renders the hope of our prosecuting our objects here for the present more dark. Yesterday the aged and venerable patriarch of Constantinople was arrested; and, this morning, he was ignominiously hauged before the door of his own church, with one, according to some accounts, and, according to others, two of his own priests. It is added, that six bishops, who were in confinement, have been put to death. Troops have been sent against the insurgents in the two provinces, and the whole Turkish population continues armed; among whom there is a great deal of irritation against the Greeks, and Franks even are now scarcely respected. "You will perceive, that, under these circumstances, it is impossible that the works which we have undertaken in the Fanál can be resumed, for several months at least. I hope, before I close this letter, to be able to give you some account of Hilarion, concerning whom I feel particularly anxious. I trust the providence of God will be over him, in these dangerous times; and preserve him, for the completion of the important work which he has commenced. Lord Strangford, who takes a kind interest in our affairs, has sent to-day the dragoman of the embassy, to inquire about him ; and to obtain of him, if possible, the manuscript, that it may at least be secure in our possession. When that object is accomplished, I shall feel that I can, for the present, be of no further use in this capital; and I shall, I think, be disposed to take the first opportunity of removing with Mrs. Leeves to some more tranquil place, from whence I may return, as soon as any prospect is opened of my being useful here. CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 240. "P. S. I have this moment seen the English dragoman on his return from the Fanál, who, I am happy to say, has brought with him the manuscript of Hilarion. He found Hilarion himself, and the principal of his convent, the Archbishop of Mount Sinaï, in the greatest alarm. They had witnessed the melancholy scene of the death of their patriarch, and of the bishops who partook in his fate: and they scarcely know whether they can consider themselves safe. The Archbishop of Mount Sinaï is one of the most eminent among the Greeks, for learning and worth; and most happy should I be to know, that both he and Hilarion were in a place of safety. The more I think on the subject, the more convinced I feel, that it will be impracticable to prosecute the work here. If Hilarion were with me, we could do it any where. God will, I hope, direct us to what is best. I have deposited the manuscript in Lord Strangford's hands, as the place of greatest security. We have much rea son to feel obliged to his lordship. "Tomorrow I return to Therapia, where Mrs. Leeves is; and, after just settling ourselves for the second time, we shall again probably be wanderers. If it be, however, for the advantage of the work which I came here to promote, I am content." The following extract is from a letter of the 8th of May : "By the last post I was under the necessity of communicating to you and the Committee, tidings, which must have proved extremely distressing to you. I wish it were in my power to write to you any thing more encouraging; and if it will be painful to you to hear of the breaking-up of all our fair prospects in this place, you may conceive how deeply painful it is to me to witness and to report it. But the will of God be done! and if He be pleased to disappoint us for a time, let us not despair; but hope that He will guide and overrule all that happens, for the ultimate promotion of the object for which we labour, and in which the very impediments that we meet with will, I hope, engage us more earnestly and zealously. "In my last I mentioned to you the execution of the patriarch and several bishops on Easter-day; since which, some more bishops, and very many of the principal Greek clergy and laity, have suffered and arrests and executions still continue, not only at Con 5 L stantinople, but in the provinces.. You will not be surprized to learn (indeed my last letter will have fully prepared you for it), that I am taking measures for our departure, which is on every account forced on me as the only course to pursue. "With a good hope that a kind Providence will continue to guide our steps, and desiring your prayers and those of all our friends in our behalf, I remain, my dear sir, faithfully yours." taken up his residence in it. We are recommended to his particular attention, through the kindness of Lord Strangford, who made an application to the government for that purpose. I have here had a good deal of time for appli cation to the modern Greek; to which I daily dedicate two or three hours, with About a fortnight afterward, on the 24th of May, the aspect of affairs had changed for the better. "Since I last wrote, we have enjoyed somewhat more tranquillity; although, substantially, things remain much as they were the effervescence of men's minds has somewhat gone off, and we feel rather more security. The public executions of those accused of being im plicated in the conspiracy, and the assassinations of individuals of the Greek Nation, are less frequent. All the Turks, however still continue with arms in their hands; and, from all accounts of what is passing in the Archipelago, and the preparations making here, it does not seem as if this affair would very speedily terminate. I am unable to say any thing decisive about our departure. That it will finally be expedient, I am still of opinion; though I wish I may have occasion to change that opinion. On this subject, I should be sorry to do any thing hastily." On the 8th of June the state of things was much the same : "The affairs of this country continue much as they were when I last wrote, extremely unsettled. We are alternately agitated, with accounts of internal violences and disorders, and rumours of a Russian war. Were the latter to take place, there would be no alternative, I think, but to take our departure with out delay. We have hitherto been enabled to maintain our position in the village, where another English gentleman also resides; but I believe Mrs. Leeves is the only lady who has not been driven down to Pera, to take refuge there against the violences which have been committed in the country: not that these violences do not occur in Pera, but people fancy themselves to be more safe where greater numbers are assembled. It so happens, that this village has been better protected than the rest, from a large Turkish guard being stationed here: and the Bostanghi Bashaw, who commands the guards of the channel of the Bosphorous, having a master. "The patriarchal printing-office still continues closed; nor is it at all possible to foresee when it will be re-opened. With respect to the prosecution of the works which we have commenced, there can be no doubt,supposing it practicable, that it would be highly advantageous that they should, if possible, be executed in the first instance in this capital; and I am not disposed to give up the hope of it, as long as any rational hope remains. But, whether this be practicable or not, I cannot but most strongly recommend to the Committee, to take into consideration the measure of forming a good printing establishment in some secure station in this part of the world, where abundant supplies may be prepared for the inhabitants of the East, of the sacred Scriptures in their several languages. Even if the first edition of the translations in hand be struck off here, which is so very doubtful, subsequent editions will almost immediately be necessary; aud, as the relations of our Society with the churches of the East are daily becoming more extended, the different heads of these communions would be able to send to this establishment able men, to assist in the execution of the several works necessary for their people." We shall close our extracts with some recent communications from a still more distant quarter. The Moravian Missionaries write from Okkak, in Labrador, Aug. 8, 1821-" We request you to present to the venerable British and Foreign Bible Society our most cordial thanks for the valuable present of more copies of the New Testament in the Esquimaux language, sent to us by the ship. They are to us and our people a treasure of immense worth, for which we pray the Lord to reward those generous benefactors. As most of our children and many grown persons in our congrega. tion can read, they are read with great eagerness and much blessing, by old and young." From Nain, in the same country, they write, Aug. 24;—“ Several of our Esquimax here at Nain, having been informed of the nature of the Bible So ciety, and its aim in the distribution of the sacred Scriptures throughout the world, of their own accord began to collect seals' blubber, by way of making up a small coutribution towards the expenses of the Society. Some brought whole seals, others half a seal, or pieces, as they could afford it. Some brought pieces of blubber in the name of their children, requesting that their poor gifts might be accepted. The expressions they made use of in presenting their gifts deeply affected us all. Having been told, that in some parts of the world, heathens, who were poorer than they, had contributed their mite, towards the diffusion of the Scrip tures, with great eagerness and delight they said "How long have we heard the com fortable words of God concerning Jesus our Saviour, and received so many books treating of Him, and yet have never considered where they come from! We have indeed sometimes spoken together, and observed, that these many books, given to us without pay, must be very dear somewhere; but we never have known before now, that even poor people bring their money, out of pure love, that we may get those comfortable words of God. We are indeed poor, but we might now and then bring some blubber as a contribution, that others who are as ignorant as we were formerly, may receive the same Gospel which has been so sweet to our souls, and thereby be taught to find the way to Jesus, and to believe on Him.' By this spontaneous declaration a great impression was made upon our people. Each would bring something, when they heard how desirous other heathen nations were to hear the word of God; and they begged me to send this collection of blubber (yielding 30 gallons of oil) to those generous friends who print ed the Bibles for them, that more heathen might be presented with that book precious above all things."", so From Greenland, another Moravian Missionary writes :-" I add the humble request of our Society for the furtherance of the Gospel to that of our Missionaries and Greenland congregations, that the British and Foreign Bible Society would undertake the printing of a translation of the New Testament into the Greenland language, with which our brethren in that country have been occupied for a great many years. After an experience of nearly ninety years, they are perfectly well acquainted with that singular and difficult language. Some have resided there, and been in the habit of conversing in no other with the natives, for 30, 40, and 50 years, and we may therefore rely upon their translation being as correct as possible." Having thus brought up our general arrears of Bible Society intelligence, we hope in our Appendix to give an abstract of Dr. Steinkopff's last tour in Germany, which furnishes many interesting notices respecting the progress of the Continental Bible Societies. ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE : TRADE AT MADAGASCAR The following are some particulars respecting the late abolition of the slave trade at Madagascar. His Excellency Governor Farquhar having pre pared the way for a mission on the subject to Radama, King of Madagascar, sent Mr. Hastie, as his commissioner, to the court of that prince. His object was to conclude a treaty for the entire abolition of the slave trade throughout Madagascar. The following account of the mission is given by Mr. Jones, one of the missionaries of the London Missionary Society, who was allowed to accompany Mr. Hastie. On the 16th of Sept. 1820, they commenced their journey from Tamatave to Tananarive, nearly 300 miles inland; and pursued it seventeen days, over a great variety of country. One of the woods through which they passed was nearly forty miles in extent. Some of the rivers which they crossed were so deep, that they were obliged to swim their horses. Several of the mountains over which they travelled were prodigiously lofty, and sometimes exceedingly steep. In the course of their journey, they met groupes of the natives, who were on their way to Tamatave to be sold to the slave-dealers, many of whom reside there, and from whence they are exported. "It was dreadful," says Mr. Jones, " to see such a number of human beings, old and young, in chains, driven from their native country, to be sold like sheep in a market: some were children, between six and eight years of age, separated from their parents for 'ever. My heart ached to witness the inhuman scene. If such a number of slaves were to be driven through the streets of London, in irons, carrying loads on their heads, to be sold like the beasts in Smithfield, doubtless the sight would fill the eyes of all with tears, and stimulate them to greater exertions than ever to suppress such a traffic." On Tuesday, October 3, they arrived, about noon, at the foot of the lofty hill on which Tananarive, the residence. of the King, is situated. The King expressed great joy at receiving Mr. Hastie. In the evening they were conducted to a large well-built house, where they slept that night. The King came to see them the next day, and was greatly pleased with some of the presents sent to him; particularly the workmanship on some silver plates and dishes, and with an Arabian horse that was sent among others. The proposed treaty was fully considered in several conferences. It appear ed that the great difficulty in the way of its conclusion, was the advantage obtained by Radama's principal subjects, who procured almost all foreign articles by their traffic in slaves. Mr. Hastie stated, fully and forcibly, the evils of the slave trade, and the real advantages which his subjects would obtain by its abolition. The King after ward consulted his Ministers on the subject, who appeared to be very averse to the measure proposed. At length, however, the King resolved, at all events, to sign the treaty, on this special condition, that twenty of his subjects should be instructed in the most useful arts; ten at the Mauritius, and ten in England. "The moment arrived which was to decide the welfare of millions. A pro clamation, abolishing the slave trade, was published; and freedom was hailed by thousands with transports of joy." In reference to this treaty, Mr. Jones writes to Charles Telfair, Esq. at Mauritius, Oct. 14, 1820— "A final stop is now put to the slave traffic; and the whole has been conducted by Radama in such a manner as leaves no room to doubt his sincerity. Had his Excellency Governor Farquhar witnessed the transports of joy exhibited in the countenances of thousands around us, on the 11th instant, when the treaty was agreed on-the proclamation issued-the British flag, in union with that of Madagascar, hoistedfreedom hailed by thousands as the gift of the British Nation-the guns firing a salute of liberty and joy-the music playing, and the people rejoicing-the scene would, I think, have filled his mind with greater pleasure thau any which he ever before witnessed; being himself the author of a treaty pregnant with so many blessings. When I went out to see the Union Flag, and all the people looking at it with smiles in their countenances, my heart was filled with joy, and my eyes with tears."-He writes further, at the beginning of November, "The King is extremely watchful lest any slaves should be sold; and, notwithstanding all the efforts and cunning of the slave-merchants, they have not been able to buy one."-Mr. Jones adds, "It appears to me that Radama values the article whieh relates to the instruction of his people, more than any other part of the equivalent. He has their education and civilization so much at heart, that I am persuaded he would not have agreed to the treaty on any other terms. "I consider this article as likely to contribute much to the honour of the British Nation, and toward the Christianizing and civilization of millions of people. A wide door for Christianity and civilization has been opened, and that of slavery, I trust, bolted for ever. A powerful monarch has become the patronizer of Christian missionaries and of artificers, instead of dealers in slaves, who were to be dragged out of their native country." So intent, indeed, did Radama appear on the improvement of his subjects, that, in the course of conversation, he said- If your Government will instruct my people, I am theirs for ever." To Mrs. Telfair, Mr. Jones writes, on the 18th October "The mother of Radama came to our house last Saturday morning; and, on conversing with her upon the advantages to be derived from instructing the people, she remarked, very sensibly, that she would never agree to a treaty where money was to be the main object, but that she would support the plan proposed with all her might. "A selection of young persons for England, and others for Mauritius, was made to-day; and the people entered into a high discussion, as to who should have the King's permission, and the honour, to send their children to be instructed. One man said that he would give 3000 dollars for permission to send his child. Well,' said the King,' give me 1500 dollars, and he shall go.' The man hesitated a little, and then answered that he would give that sum. Well,' rejoined the King, as you are in earnest, and sincere in your request, he shall go for nothing.' The place was, on Saturday, crowded by the richest and most respectable people in the capital, from among whose children a selection has been made for instruction." Mr. Jones writes again to Mr. Telfair, at the beginning of November"The Roman-Catholic Priest at St. Denis, in the island of Bourbon, has written a very flattering letter to the King, asking his permission to send missionaries to teach his subjects the Roman-Catholic religion; and inform ing him that some were at Bourbon ready to come over, provided his Majesty would give them his royal permission. The King wrote an answer, refusing his permission, in the strongest terms; saying, that he had entered into an alliance with the British Nation, and consequently wished to have British Protestant Missionaries to instruct his subjects, to whom he would give his permission, as well as protection through out his dominions." Governor Farquhar, after expressing his high esteem for Mr. Jones's character, which enabled him to extend to him all that assistance and countenance which were necessary to his progress, writes to the Directors of the London Missionary Society, Jan. 3, 1821 -"I consider his residence at the court of Radama as a proof and secnrity of the good faith of that sovereign, for the full performance, on his part, and on that of his subjects, of the articles of that important treaty which I have once more, and, I trust, finally concluded with him, for the entire extinction of the slave traffic for ever, throughout the whole of his extensive dominions. "I may add, that, in my opinion, never was so boundless and favourable a field thrown open to your pious labours a people without any national religion or superstitions of consequence to combat-consisting of above four millions of souls, ready, as well as capable, of receiving instruction; under the will of a monarch, who is as eager to obtain it for them as you can be to grant it." These calls for exertion will, doubtless, be obeyed by British Christians. PRAYER-BOOK AND HOMILY The Committee state, that during the ast year their operations have been painfully impeded by the exhausted state of the Society's finances; and this notwithstanding the number of their subscribers had increased, a greater number of donations been received, more congregational collections made, and every item of receipt, except legacies, been enlarged. This pressure las originated in the expenses entailed by three works of great importance; namely, the Book of Common-prayer in the Irish tongue and character; a large edition of the Liturgy in Welsh; and the publication of 2000 copies of the Psalter, and of the Morning and Evening Services of the Church, in Chinese. The circulation of the Irish Prayerbook has been iutrusted principally to the members of a respectable institution in Dublin-an institution patroniz ed by some of the highest ecclesiastical authorities in that kingdom-called the Irish Society. "The distribution of these books," observe the Irish Society, 66 was a matter of much delicacy; for although we do not profess to be guided by any other principles than our own, (that is, the principles of the Established Church), we sensibly feel both the duty and importance of avoiding offence to any portion of our fellow-subjects. We have, therefore, sent only a few of these books to our superintendants, for the use of those who shall voluntarily desire to possess them; and we are happy to say, they have been a great source of comfort to several of our schoolmasters, whose religious persuasions allowed of their using them; and that the appearance of the Book of Common-prayer in Irish has seemed generally to excite both surprise and gratification."-Many persons in Ireland had hitherto looked upon our church as utterly heterodox, and were astonished to perceive that we had any forms which could so forcibly strike the conscience and affect the heart. The immediate effect of this discovery, it is hoped, will be to abate prejudice, and to excite a more charitable feeling between the members of both churches. Strenuous efforts have likewise been made to promote the circulation of the Prayer-book in Welsh. The great want of such an edition as the Society has published, had been clearly ascertained; but the demand has hitherto been comparatively small. Still the Society has not been left without some circumstances that have tended to give them |