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der and good government; and as old Dr. Mather acknowledged "as holy, watchful, faithful, heavenly people as perhaps any in the world;" so that, adopting the language of a brother reviewer on a similar occasion,—mutatis mutandis,'-"Though we entertain the most cordial affection towards the denomination styled (Pedobaptists;) though we cheerfully allow them all the merit which they can claim for pious and devout affections towards God,and benevolence to man; though we highly venerate the character of many individuals in that communion, both among the living and the dead, for their learning, their talents, their useful labours in the church of Christ; still we strongly wish, and we fervently pray, that as a body, they may possess and exhibit more of the spirit of liberality, more of the Christian catholicism, which we are happy to recognize in the (letters of Mr. Chapin.")*

Had we always been treated as tenderly by our Pedobaptist brethren, as they are treated by Mr. Chapin in the work before us, we should have had no cause to complain. Here are no harsh or bitter words; no unkind or unchristian reflections; or, to let Mr. Chapin speak for himself,

"To my former connexions in religion, I am under many obligations of gratitude; and for them I hope to carry down to my grave an affectionate remembrance. I trust you will bear me witness, my brethren, that I have not dipped my pen in gall." I have honestly, and with freedom, spoken what was deemed the truth, but with love." p. 76.

66

Yes, his brethren will bear him witness, if they read his letters, and read them they doubtless will, unless they are determined to shut their eyes against the light, that he has written with love. The spirit of candour and benevolence

*See Panoplist for Nov. 1818, article Review of Loomis's Letters on Infant Baptism

runs through the whole pamphlet.
On no occasion does the writer
lose sight of his object, the promo-
"He seems to have
tion of truth.
approached his subject," to adopt
the words of the reviewer above
quoted, "with feelings of kindness
and brotherly love towards those
from whom he differs in opinion,
and with a simple intention to ex-
hibit scriptural evidence in support
of his own sentiments and practice,
In the whole course of his argu-
ment, we do not perceive that he
has lost sight of these feelings, nor
of his intention. In perusing his
pages, we have been reminded of
the candour and benignity, united
with the inflexible adherence to
what he conceived to be truth,
which mark the controversial
writings of President Edwards.
Like this great and good man, (Mr.
Chapin) never allows his passions
to gain the ascendency over the
better feelings of his heart, nor his
language to degenerate into intem-
perate abuse of those whose tenets
he is controverting. He seems to
have been free from party spirit,
and to have aimed only at vindica-
ting the claims of truth. Hence
is his performance much better
adapted to carry conviction to the
minds of all classes of readers, than
if it had been executed with the
opposite spirit."†

That the above remark may be justly applied to the work before us, will be conceded by all its readers. It contains the principal arguments which have been brought forward by other writers in defence of believers' baptism, accompanied with new and interesting remarks suited to the improvement of the present age. Those passages of scripture which have been alleged in support of Infant Baptism, are fairly stated, and shewn, very satisfactorily, we think, to afford no countenance to that practice. We wish our readers to judge for themselves.

[To be continued. ] + Ibid.

Missionary Intelligence.

AMERICAN BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSION.

ARRIVAL OF THE MISSIONARIES AT BURMAH,

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. WHEELOCK TO HIS PARENTS.

containing a number of fruit trees. The house is large and commodious, well constructed for two fam

Rangoon, Oct. 7, 1818. ilies; so that at present brother

My dear parents,

WE were detained at Calcutta four months, anxiously waiting for a passage to Rangoon. Our voyage to Rangoon, where we arrived the 19th Sept. was short and pleasant. The Captain and his officers, though far from being serious, treated us politely; and we were furnished with every thing comfortable. At the mouth of the river, we were favoured with a note from brother Judson, informing us that brother Hough or himself would be ready to receive us at the wharf, or more properly, the landing place. Judge of our feelings when we arrived before the town, which is to be, as we trust, our home on earth! We were all soon landed; and in the company of our dear missionary friends. What a meeting was this! Never before did I experience such a joyful season. To behold our beloved brethren, and their companions, afforded me such pleasure as I cannot express! Indeed, the joy was mutual. We felt our souls united. After we had been searched by the officers of government, we, a happy missionary band, proceeded to the Mission-house. Here we arrived about dark on Saturday evening. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name."

The Mission-house is delightfully situated among the trees, about two miles from town. A large piece of ground is attached to it,

Colman and myself have only one room each. We however, are comfortably situated, as we live, with brother Judson. We prefer one room in Rangoon, to six in Boston. We feel that we are highly

blessed.

Shortly after our arrival, brother Judson went with brother Colman and myself, to introduce us to the Viceroy. We found him in his garden house, surrounded with his officers of government. We took off our shoes before we came into his presence. (which is the same thing here as taking off the hat in America:) and then seated ourselves on a mat opposite him. He observed that we were not accustomed to the Burman mode of sitting, and said to brother Judson, "let them sit comfortable." We had brought with us from Calcutta, a small chest of carpenter's tools, for the use of the mission. The Viceroy heard of it. and expressed a desire for it. As there never was one like it seen here be.. fore, it was a great curiosity. We carried it with us as a present, knowing that he must have it. Accordingly it was placed before him, and he arose himself, (a thing very uncommon on such occasions) and opened it. He appeared much gratified with it, and called one of his artificers to examine it also. He inquired if we intended to remain here, and had brought our women? Mr. Judson observed that we had; and that "we wished to take shelter beneath his glory."

We

To which he he answered, "Stay! stay!" and desired that Mrs. Judson might come with our women. Business being entirely suspended, while we remained, he appeared to desire our departure. therefore again paid him our respects, and retired, much gratified with the favour shown us; and which we hope, through the overruling hand of our heavenly Father, will be continued.

The excessive heat of Bengal,

ed him the fifth inst. and attempted to study; but was obliged to relinquish it. Harriet, however, employs him, and has now begun to read the Burman. I hope that ere long, I shall be thus highly favoured.

Your affectionate Son,

EDWARD W. WHEELOCK.

combined with my exertions in EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MRS.

private and publick, considerably enervated my system. My extreme sea-sickness reduced me still lower. But after my arrival at Rangoon, I forgot my weakness, and exerted myself too much in attending to our affairs, the difficulty of which can only be known by experience. And the Saturday evening following the evening of our arrival, after engaging in family worship, I was attacked with a slight return of raising blood. It was very unexpected and alarming at first. But in a few days, I ceased to raise any more, and have now gained considerable strength in my lungs. Through divine mercy, I trust that I am getting better. Do you inquire, my dear parents, how I felt when thus aflicted? I did not feel as when in America. I thought that I had now certainly arrived in Burmah, and I felt less anxious about my sickness than formerly. I remembered that God had already gratified one of the most ardent desires of my soul; and at least, I should have the great privilege of being buried in a heathen land—a privi lege which I once feared I should never enjoy, and of which I am utterly unworthy. But my soul pitied the poor Burmans, and I longed, if it could consist with the will of God, to live a little while, that I might point them to "the Lamb of God." Blessed be his name that I have an encouraging prospect of returning health. I have a Burman teacher; I engag

WHEELOCK TO A FRIEND IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF BOSTON.

Rangoon, Oct. 23, 1818.

My ever dear Mrs. B.

THIS Country presents to the eye a scene truly picturesque, and delightful. But instead of beholding houses dedicated to the worship of God, and being surrounded by dear Christian friends, a gloom is spread over it; our minds are filled with melancholy by viewing innumerable pagodas sacred to the memory of Gaudama, and thousands who pay superstitious homage before them. Sometimes can scarcely realize, that in a few months so great an alteration has been effected in my circumstances, prospects, and pursuits. It is not long, however, before I find myself awake to the certainty of it, and am, I trust, enabled to rejoice in all the privations, toils, and privileges, which result from so great a change. Though we have left the bosom of friendship, and liberty, for that of enmity, and despotism, we feel that God is not confined to places. Even here, amidst the darkness that covers the land, and gross darkness that covers the people, we are permitted to enjoy. some sweet communications of his love; some seasons of refreshing. from his presence; and to look forward to the time, when numbers of these captive souls will be liberated from their chains, and made kings and priests unto God.

Our arrival at Rangoon appar ently afforded much diversion to many of the Burmans. A sight of eight foreigners, and four of them newly arrived, was sufficient to collect most of the inhabitants to gether. Had you been a spectator of our meeting the dear friends here, I think you would have congratulated each of us. Brother Judson, and brother Hough were waiting at the shore to receive us. After being searched at the Custom house, they conducted us to the Mission house; our long anticipated home. The situation is rural, and delightfully pleasant. I need not assure you that we experience the greatest possible gratification in enjoying the company of our friends, and that we daily offer unto God our thanksgivings, and praises, that we are brought to this heathen land. Our united desire is, to be useful to the souls of this perishing people. This is the object, the only object for which we left our native land. To accomplish this, we trust that we constantly have your prayers, and the prayers of all the dear people of God. "For Zion's sake" may Christians not hold their peace; and for Jerusalem's sake may they not rest, "antil the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth; until this desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose," and streams of living water, from the river of God, refresh this parched ground.

Since our arrival, we have enjoyed the privilege of meeting around the sacramental board, and commemorating the dying love of our ascended Redeemer. And it. was indeed a precious season. The Saviour's fruit was sweet to our taste, and his banner over us was love. In this benighted region, the ordinances of the gospel shine with redoubled lustre. Every thing around is calculated to inspire us with gratitude and love to our heavenly Father, and to

incite us to activity in his blessed service.

From recent communications, you have probably received some information of the late difficulties here among the Roman Catholick priests. Being represented to the king as spies for the English, they were instantly ordered out of the country. They however remain in Rangoon, through the favour of the present Viceroy; and undoubtedly will continue to remain here, as their friends have collected a large sum of money, and sent it to the king with a petition. It is now generally understood that the order is countermanded; and will soon arrive here to the satisfaction of the petitioners. Had they been banished from the country, it is very likely that we should soon have been ordered away also. Under a tyrannical government, in a land filled with every abomination, among a people destitute of the common feelings of humanity, we feel ourselves safe only in the hands of God. An assurance in our own souls that he is indeed our father, and our friend; that he regards this Mission, and in his own time will bring some of these poor, deluded, superstitious Burmans to a saving ac quaintance with himself, renders us happy in the midst of surrounding danger, and is a constant incentive to exertions for their eternal good. How inexpressibly hap py should we be, if, within the narrow limits of our knowledge, there was but one Burman whose heart had been regenerated; whose mind the celestial rays of the Sun of righteousness beamed; and whose thoughts and conversation were daily in heaven! Though we are wholly unacquainted with the manner, and the time in which God will display his glory in this part of the world, yet to him the precise way, the exact time is perfectly known. The period must arrive, when Jesus shall take to himself "the heathen for his in

upon

104

MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

heritance, and the uttermost parts
of the earth for his possession ;"
when all nations shall worship him,
and his name be adored from the
To per-
rising to the setting sun.
severe in the rugged path before
us, we need a spirit of self-denial;
constant and large supplies of di-
vine grace; great humility; and
more ardent piety. That we may
enjoy these invaluable blessings,
permit me again to ask you to be
importunate at the throne of mer-
ey on our account; and be assur-
ed, though a fathomless expanse
rolls between us, that you are daily
remembered with much affection,

By your unworthy friend,

ELIZA H. WHEELOCK.

DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT OF THE BOARD.

FROM MR. PECK TO THE CORRESPOND-
ING SECRETARY, DATED

I saw not only the want of it, but the
prospect of speedy success, and in such
a way as would not hinder our useful-
ness as missionaries, or our exertions
amongst the Indians, but promote them.
But this was not the main object at-
tained in this journey. Near St. Mi-
chael's I found a little band of Musko-
cipal chief emigrated to this country
gee or Creek Indians, who with a prin-
some years ago. These Indians can
speak French as well as their own lan-
guage, and two or three can talk a lit-
the English. They are poor, but do not
wander abroad. Some poor French
families live with them. I immediate-
ly began to look about for a school
teacher, as here was a door opening
As I was obliged to return next day, I
engaged brother Farrar to hold a “talk”
with them, and let me know if they
would receive instruction. Returning
home I preached in Cook's settlement,
Murphy's settlement, attended meet-
ing on Big river with a Methodist cir-
cuit rider, and was overtaken with a
violent storm, and was obliged to spend
two days on Sandy creek at esquire
Johnson's, where I was hospitably en-
tertained,

Sept. 25. I again started for the Bethel association, through St. Genevieve, crossed the Saline, passed through Bois St. Louis, Oct. 9, 1818. Brule bottom, and reached the asso ciation at brother Duval's Saturday night, where I preached that evening on missions.

SINCE the first of September, I have travelled about 400 miles, on two occasions. The first tour originated from a mistake I made about the time and place of the Bethel association. I passed on to Herculaneum, from hence up the Plattin on to Hazel run, to Big river settlement, to Murphy's settlement, Cook's settlement, Main La Motte, to St. Michael and the settlements on the St. Francois. Here I formed an acquaintance with Rev. Mr. Farrar, who preaches to Providence church on the St. Francois, which brother Welch constituted in 1814. Though I missed the object of my journey, my time and expense du not seem lost. There was an unseen hand that guided me this way. Besides 'preaching in several settlements, and from house to house, (as this is a mode of operation which in this country will do more real good than mere publick meetings ) I visited seve ral schools, and learned the wants of the people, their wish to encourage schools, and the great necessity of devising some plan to form them into districts, and supply them with suitable teachers. A scheme which in part unfolded itself to my mind last fall while coming up the river, before my sickness, now more fully evolved; and

The association took up the business, resolved to correspond with the Board, entered into the spirit of missions, schools, Indian missions, &c.

From brother Farrar I learned that the Muskogees were not merely willing but desirous to be instructed, and that some poor French children wished to attend with them. And will the God of Missions. thought I, thus open the way for an Indian school, and not provide a teacher? While ruminating on the subject, and inquiring amongst the brethren, I found an old pious brother by the name of James James, who observed, that if no better could be found he was almost disposed to offer, observing at the same time, he felt it in his heart to do something to promote the cause of Christ. Upon inquiring I found he had in his your ger days taught school-that his wife was pions and industrious, and could assist the squaws, and that they had no family but a little grand daughter, and fived near the Indians, and had not much property of their own to look after. Thus far all appeared well. I engaged to be there the first week in November, and get the school into operation. The result

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