May or June 1811, at the earnest request of the King of the island, the Directors have not yet received any letter; nor have they been favored with any information concerning them from the Rev. Mr. Marsden at Port Jackson, since his letter of September 21, 1811. The last information is from Mr. Davies, who had embarked for Otaheite, dated Paramatta, October 14, 1811, in which he fully states the reasons, which determined him and several more of the Missionaries to resume the undertaking, their willingness to encounter any difficulties which might occur, and their cheerful expectation of ultimate success. Mr. and Mrs. Davies have probably followed their companions to Otaheite. The Directors have long been anxious to hear of their safe arrival, and agreeable reception at the island; but so difficult is it to maintain a communication with this distant part of the earth, that they and the Society must still exercise their patience. The Directors, however, have repeatedly written to the Missionaries, and have also sent out supplies, to the care of Mr. Marsden, of such articles. as they are supposed to need.

CANADA.

MR. SMART, who left England in June 1811, is now at Elizabeth Town in Upper Canada, where he found the state of things rather unpromising; but he has had the satisfaction of seeing the congregation much increased, from about sixty to two or three hundred, and their attention to the word greatly improved. He has reason to hope that his labors have been useful to the souls of his hearers. "Their attention," he says, "to the preached Gospel, for the last six or nine months, is such as I never witnessed in England; their anxiety for my comfortable and permanent settlement was also very great." This pleasing prospect, however, is for the present beclouded by the breaking out of the war between America and Britain, and unhappily Mr. Smart's station is at the very seat of it. Battles have been fought in the immediate vicinity, and a ball from an American fort at Oswegatche passed between the neck of his horse and his own body, as he was returning from preaching in the neighborhood. When he wrote last, it was within the sound of the cannon; hitherto however he has been preserved, and he entreats the prayers of the Society. His preaching circuit is considerable, extending fifty miles in length, and twenty-five in breadth; but his strength has been proportioned to his labors.

Mr. Cox, who was intended for St. Mary's Falls, received so discouraging an

account of that place that he thought it his duty not to proceed to it, until he heard from the Directors; who, on the consideration of the subject, consented to his staying in Canada, where many who wish to hear the word, are totally destitute of it. Mr. Cox was for a short time at Matilda, but soon removed to Augusta, in the county of Granville, where his labors have proved very acceptable.

Mr. Spratt, who went to America, with a view of proceeding to India, having been so ill at Philadelphia that it was judged altogether improper for him to venture on such a sultry climate, has removed for the present to Quebec, where he supplies the congregation of Mr. Dick, while on a visit to this country. His health is improved, and we hope that hereafter he will be able to take a part in some important Mission.

The Directors, yielding to the solicitations of some pious friends deeply interested in the religious welfare of Newfoundlaud, have consented to send Mr. Hyde, who was for a short time at Gosport, to St. John's, at present destitute of a minister, where he is to preach for a year or two, till the people are provided with a settled pastor; and then to labor in other parts of the island, where the Gospel is most needed, and to which the providence of God may appear to direct.

The Directors have not yet been able to send a minister to New Carlisle, though the people in that country are very desirous of hearing the word.'

MALTA.

MR. BLOMFIELD, who was sent out in 1811, to promote the knowledge of the Gospel among the Greeks, was directed to reside for a time at Malta, where he might have an opportunity to learn the Italian language, and to perfect himself in the modern Greek, as well as to obtain the best information concerning the places to which he might afterwards direct his

course.

Mr. Blomfield applies himself diligently to the modern Greek, and has made progress in writing and speaking it. He is anxious to pursue the principal object of his Mission, and has had pressing invita tions to the Island of Zante. In the mean time he preaches to a number of Englishmen resident at Valetta, and it is believed with spiritual advantage to many He is also active in distributing copies of the Scriptures, of Dr. Doddridge's Rise and Progress in Italian, and religious tracts; some of which are sent to Sicily, &c. He was informed that a gentleman who visit ed the Morea, left two Greek Testaments

at a convent, with which the inhabitants were so delighted, that they rang the bells for joy, and performed some extraordinary religious ceremony. Malta appears, from its commercial and local circumstances, to be an important Missionary station, and if Mr. Biomfield proceeds to the continent or to the Greek islands, it seems desirable that he should be succeeded by an able and active minister of the Gospel, who may have opportunity to rende. essential services to the cause of true religion in all the countries bordering on the Mediter

ranean.

SEMINARY.

The present number of the students at Gosport is nine. Five of these, Mr. Skinner, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Kempton, Mr. Thomson, and Mr. Fyvie are regular students. Mr. Le Brun and Mr. Bellot (of French extraction) are in part supported by the Society, and are under its patronage. Mr. Kain and Mr. Bruckner, who had previously studied at Berlin and Rotterdam, sojourn at Gosport only until they are ready to depart for foreign stations. All are diligent in their studies, devoted to the work, and promise to be useful Missionaries of Jesus Christ. An addition to the number of students is likely soon to be made.

FRENCH PRISONERS.

As our holy religion teaches us to love even our enemies, the Directors thought it their duty to pay some attention to the French Prisoners in different parts of this country. At the depots of Forton, and Porchester, near Gosport, and on board the prison ships in Portsmouth harbor, the Rev. Mr. Perrot from Guernsey, and the students at the Rev. Mr. Bogue's, have, by the permission of Government, preached the Gospel, and established among the prisoners little libraries of useful books, including Dr. Doddridge'e Rise and Progress, in French and Italian, and Mr. Bogue's Essay, a large edition of which has lately been printed. The Rev. Messrs. Cope of Launceston, and Cobbin of Crediton, have also taken the pains to travel to the prison at Dartmoor, where they have repeatedly preached to the numerous prisoners, distributed tracts, and established libraries of a similar nature to those at Forton and Porchester.

The Directors now submit to the candor of the Society this brief recital of their proceedings, and thus conclude the duty of their office for the year. To the best of their ability they have conducted the affairs of this Institution, which are anuually growing in extent and importance. VOL. IX.

The number of Missionaries employed by this Society has been continually increas ing, as the Directors have been assiduous both in establishing new Missions, and in augmenting the efficiency of those previ ously commenced. In the populous regions of British India, a boundless field presents itself to the laborers, and a work is begun which already promises a plentiful harvest. In Africa, several favored spots begin to blossom as the rose; and in the Western Isles many of the sable and enslaved children of Ham are rendered by the Gospel of Jesus, "free indeed." Many more laborers are ready to consecrate their services to the Lord, saying, "Here are we; send us." While the friends of the Institution, more liberal than ever, especially in the formation of numerous Auxiliary Societies, by pouring their abundance into our treasury, loudly and prae. tically say "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitation: spare not; lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited."

following extracts are from a letter written by Mr. Mills to the Trustees of the Connecticut Missionary Society, and have been published in the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine.

"I LEFT Marietta the 24th of October, 1812, and proceeded down the Ohio river. On the 25th, (Sabbath) preached at Belprie, a New England settlement. Thence proceeded through Galliopolis, to Chilicothe where I arrived Nov. 2d, preaching occasionally on the way, and distributing the Constitution of the Ohio Bible Society. The prospect was favorable, as it respects the increase of the funds of the Society; at least as much so as could be expected. On the 7th came to Spring field, on the head waters of the Little Miami. Here I tarried two or three days, detained on account of the rain, and waiting for Mr. Schermerhorn, who left Marietta the same day that I did. He went up the Muskingum, and came on by Zanesville and Franklinton to Springfield, where he arrived the 10th. We proceeded on our way to Dayton, and put up with Dr. Welch, the Presbyterian minister residing in that place. From Dayton, I came on to Lebanon, near the Little Miami, and thence to Cincinnati. Brother Schermerhorn went down the Big Miami by Franklin to Cincinnati, at which place we both arrived the 17th of November.

"I shall at this time only mention the number of Presbyterian ministers, in the state of Ohio, south and west of New Connecticut. By recurring to the census of 1810, you may form some idea of the religious state of this part of our western country. I shall name those counties that have one or more Presbyterian ministers, residing within their limits. Those not named are destitute. Columbiana county, Que; Jefferson, four; Belmont, one; Athens, one; Delaware, two; Fairfield, one; Licking, one; Muskingum, one; Pickaway, two; Ross, two; Knox, one; Washington, one; Montgomery, one; Warren, one; Highland, oue; Hamilton, two; Butler, one; in the whole state, New Connecticut excepted, twenty-four. These ministers have one church at least under their care, some have two or three. There are three Congregational ministers in this part of the state,-Mr. Potter, residing near Steubenville, has no charge; Mr. Robbins in Washington county; and Mr. Harris in Licking county.

"South of New Connecticut, few Bibles or religious tracts have been received for distribution among the inhabitants. The Sabbath is greatly profaned; and but few good people can be found in any one place. There are, however, a number of

Societies which are wishing to obtain min isters for settlement for a part of the time at least, more commonly for six months in the year. The New Light Societies have been numerous in the western part of the state; but are at present fast declin. ing. They had lately, in their connexion, 7 ordained preachers and 6 licentiates. The Baptists are somewhat numerous in certain parts of the state. But the Methodists, according to their own calculation, are far the most numerous religious denomination, in the state of Ohio, south of New Connecticut, which is in my opinion, far the most desirable part of the state; certainly as respects the moral and religious habits of the people living there. They are far advanced above any portion of country of equal extent and population, west of the mountains. The Shakers have a village 25 miles in a northern d rection from Cincinnati. They_reckon their number at about 400. I believe they are not increasing at the present time.

"From Cincinnati Mr. Schermerhorn and myself came down the river Ohio to Laurenceburgh in the Indiana territory. Left that place the 24th of Nov. crossed the Ohio into Kentucky, and came down the river about 50 miles; then again cros sed over into Indiana, and came down some miles on that side of the river; then crossed back into Kentucky, and continued our course within 30 miles of the falls of the Ohio, preaching occasionally. We found the inhabitants in a very destitute state; very ignorant of the doctrines of the Gospel; and in many instances without Bibles or any other religious books. The Methodist preachers pass through this country in their circuits occasionally; but do very little, I fear, towards aiding the people in obtaining a true knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible. There are, in the Indiana territory, according to the last census, 24,520 inhabitants; and there is but one Presbyterian minister, Mr. Scott, living at Vincennes. Methodists and Baptists are considerably numerous. In the Illinois territory, containing more than 12,000 people, there is no Presbyterian or Congregational minister. There are a number of good people in the territory who are anxious to have such ministers amongst them. They likewise wish to be remembered by Bible and Religious Tract Societies.

The

"Leaving the river, we proceeded on our way through Frankfort, an easterly course to Lexington, where we arrived December 5th. We put up with Mr. Blyth-and soon became acquainted with a number of good people. During our stay at Lexington, we assisted in reorganizing the Constitution of the Bible Society,

which had been instituted a year or two before; but on too restrictive principles. It had done but little towards advancing the great object for which it was estab lished. The prospect was, when we left, that it would soon become much more extensively useful. Of 500 Bibles, which had been committed to our care, by the New York Bible Society, we directed 100 to be sent to the Managers of the Kentucky Society, for distribution. There are, in the state of Kentucky, as nearly as we could ascertain, 33 Presbyterian ministers, 61 churches, and 1,200 communicants. There is a Presbytery, called the Cumberland Presbytery, which has detached itself from the Synod of Kentucky. Part of this Presbytery is within the limits of Tennessee. There are belonging to it 11 ministers, and about 1,000 communicants. The number of churches we did not learn. The Baptists are very numerous in this state. They have 142 preachers, 263 churches, and 21,660 communicants. The denomination called New Lights have 15 ministers, 20 churches, and 1,000 communicants. There are also 6 Roman Catholic priests, and 12 places of worship. A Roman Catholic church has lately been built in Lexington. The Methodists are less numerous than the Baptists; but there are considerable numbers of them in different parts of the

state.

"We left Lexington on the 14th of December, and proceeded on our way to Nashville, in Tennessee, where we arrived the 28th. On the 29th rode to Franklin, 20 miles from Nashville, and put up with Mr. Blackburn. During our stay in this part of Tennessee, we consulted with a number of pious people, with regard to the expediency of forming a Bible So.iety. They decidedly favored the object. Mr. Blackburn thought there would not be time to collect the people, and form a Constitution during our stay. He engag ed that he would exert himself in favor of the object, as did others, men of piety and influence. We left with him a copy of the Constitution of the Bible Society formed in the state of Ohio; and wrote to Mr. Robbins of Marietta, requesting him to send to Nashville, for the benefit of the Society about to be formed in that ne ghborhood, 50 of the 500 Bibles which were to be sent to him from Pittsburgh. In the state of Tennessee, there are 22 Presbyterian ministers, and 45 churches. The Methodists are much more numerous; about 80 ordained preachers, 125 licentiates, 13,500 whites in society, and 500 blacks. The Baptists have in this state a number of societies.

"We consulted with Mr. Blackburn on the expediency of pursuing our course

down the river to New Orleans. He advised us to go, and assisted in making the necessary preparations. It was thought best for us to descend the river. General Jackson was expecting to go in a few days, with about 1,500 Volunteers to Natchez. Mr. Blackburn introduced us to the General, who, having become ac quainted with our design, invited us to take passage on board his boat. We ac cepted the invitation; and after providing some necessary stores for the voy age, and making sale of our horses, we em barked the 10th of January 1813. We came to the mouth of the Ohio the 27th, where we lay by three days on account of the ice. On the 31st we passed New Madrid; and the 16th of February arrived at Natchez.

"During our stay at Natchez and the vicinity, we introduced the subject of the formation of a Bible Society, for the benefit of the destitute in the Missisippi ter ritory. The professedly religious people, of the different denominations, appeared anxious for the establishment of an Instition of this kind. A proposal was drawn up for a meeting of those disposed to aid the object and the time and place of the meeting agreed upon. At the time appointed, a number assembled, and chose a Committee to prepare a Constitution, to be presented to those disposed to sign it, at a second meeting which was to be held at Natchez, three weeks from the first meeting. We left with the Committee a copy of the Constitution we had with us, to which the one formed for the Missisippi territory, will most likely be similar. The Bible Society for this territory will be supported by a number of the most influential characters, both civil and religious. We engaged to send them 100 Bibles, and have given directions that they should be forwarded to Natchez. We likewise encouraged them to hope for further donations of Bibles from other So eieties; and engaged, upon our return, to represent their state to the Bible Societies of Philadelphia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. As those who engaged in the formation of the Society, entered upon the subject in a very spirited manner, we doubt not the result will be a happy one. There are at present 4 Presbyteri an ministers in the territory, and 5 or 6 churches. Whole number of communi. cants 113. The Baptists have 6 ministers and 5 licentiates, about 15 churches, and 494 communicants. The number of the Methodists is about equal to that of the Baptists.

"Before we left Natchez, we (with Mr. Blackman the chaplain who attended the Tennessee Volunteers) obtained a subscription of more than 100 dollars, for

the benefit of the Tennessee Bible Society. This subscription was made by the officers principally. The prospect was that it would be very considerably increased, before they left that part of the country. We were treated with great attention by the General and officers; and were more obliged to them for their subscription to the Tennessee Society, than if it had been made to us.

"We left the Natchez the 12th of March, and went on board a flat bottomed boat, where our accommodations were but indifferent. The weather was generally pleasant, and we arrived at New Orleans the 19th. We might have taken passage in the steam boat, and should have done so, had it not been for the extra expense we must have incurred. The usual rate each passenger pays in the steam boat from Natchez to New Orleans is 18 dollars; whereas our passage was but little more than 6 dollars for both of us. The distance is 300 miles. For 100 miles above New Orleans, the banks of the river are cleared, and in descending the river you pass many very elegant plantations. The whole of this distance, the bank appears like one continued village. The greater part of the inhabitants are French Catholics, ignorant of almost every thing except what relates to the increase of their property; destitute of schools, Bibles, and religious instruction. In attempting to learn the religious state of these people we were frequently to'd, that they had no Bibles, and that the priests did not allow of their distribution among them. An American, who had resided two or three years at a place, which has the appearance of being a flourishing settlement, and has a Catholic church, informed me that he had not seen a Bible during his stay at the settlement. He added, that he had heard a woman from the state of New York had lately brought one into the place.

"Upon our arrival at New Orleans, we were soon made acquainted with a few religious people. The number of those possessing this character, in this place, we are constrained to believe is small. We found here a Baptist minister, who has been in the city a few months, but expects to leave the place soon.

He

is a sensible man, and to appearance a Christian. I doubt not, he has labored faithfully in the service of his Master. There is no Protestant church in the city. Attempts have been made to obtain a subseription for building one, but have failed. There is at the present time a Methodist preacher in the place. I believe he expects to leave it soon. The Catholic priests will then be the only professedly religious teachers in the city.

"Soon after our arrival, we introduced the subject of a Bible Society. It directly met the wishes of the religious people with whom we had become acquainted. As we had letters of introduction to Governor Claiborne, we called upon him in company with a friend. The object of our coming to the place was stated to him, and he approved of it. A proposal for a meeting was readily signed by him, and by 12 of the members of the Legislature who were then in session. About 20 more, principally merchants belonging to the city, added their names to the list. A the time appointed for establishing a Society, the greater part of those who subscribed to the proposal met. Previous to the meeting, a Constitution had been formed; and was presented for their approbation, should it meet the wishes of those present. The Constitution was read and considered, article by article, and adopted. It provided that the number of Managers should not be less than 12, nor more than 24. The Managers were to choose the other officers of the Society. After signing the Constitution, the managers were chosen, about 20, some residing in the country, but the greater part in the city. The Managers proceeded to the choice of officers. General Benjamin Morgan was chosen President, and Dr. Dow, Vice-President. The rate paid by those who become members is fixed at 5 dollars, upon signing the paper, and the yearly tax upon each member is 3 dollars. All present appeared much gratified with the opening prospect.

"We find that, in order to have the Bible circulate freely, especially among the Catholics, the consent of those high in office must be obtained. We are frequently told that the Catholic priests would by no means favor the object. We were referred to Father Antonio, as he is called, who has greater influence with those of his order than even the Bishop, who has lately arrived from Baltimore. If the consent of the former could be obtained, it was allowed by those with whom we conversed, that much might be done towards distributing the Scriptures among the French Catholics. We took a convenient opportunity to call upon the Reverend Father. The subject was mentioned to him. He said he should be pleased to have the Bible circulate among those of his order; and that he would approve of the translation distributed by the Brit ish and Foreign Bible Society. In addition to this, he said he would aid in the circulation of the Scriptures, should an opportunity present. We enquired of him, whether the priests in the different parishes would likewise favor the good work? At this enquiry he seemed sur