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CONVERSION OF THE SAILORS.

He saw that he was exposed to the tremendous storm of divine wrath. He observed "he felt so bad that he thought he could not possibly live." At first he supposed he could do much himself. Said he, "I thought I could knock off swearing, and knock off drunkenness, but I soon found I could do nothing of myself." He was at last brought to hope in the mercy of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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The Norwegian, who was taught by one of the Missionaries to read, gave a very affecting account of the dealings of the Lord to his soul. His broken language gave a peculiar charm to the story of his life, and espeSaid cially of his return to God. he, for some time I did not tink of dese tings at all. I made sport of dem, and to't it all foolishness. One day Mr. Wheelock, he talk to me, to turn from my evil ways; but in my inside I laughed at him. Afterward my conscience pricked me, I to't dere was some ting in religion. Den I felt so bad I could'nt help crying. I felt sush a load of guilt on my conscience, I did'nt know what to do. After dis I had sin-sorrow, and prayed to de Lord he would have mercy This poor man saw on me." that salvation could be obtained only through the blood of Christ. But I can do no justice to the childlike manner in which he spake of divine things; I shall therefore forbear any further description of his conversation. S. F. another of the sailors, has had a good education, and is an amiable young man. Having sat under the ministry of the gospel in England, his habits previous to his becoming truly serious were more correct than is usual among sea-faring men. I trust he will be an ornament to There á christian profession. are two or three others whom

I have not seen, but of whom
their brethren speak well.

It will be gratifying to the
friends of missions, to be informed
that three of the sailors of their
own accord have each presented
three dollars to aid the funds of
the Baptist Foreign Mission Soci-
ety. When the rest return to
town they will probably do the
same, as they unanimously agreed
while at sea, to present their
mites to the Society.

I have been thus particular in my account of these men for the satisfaction of your numerous readers. They may rely on the above as a plain statement of facts. I have introduced no colWhat ouring in the representation for the sake of giving effect. is here recorded will leave an impression far short of that which would be felt in a personal interview with them.

Perhaps it would be improper to close this communication without a few brief reflections.

1. We learn what great good may be done by missionaries when they possess the spirit of Had our brethren their station. contented themselves with the idea that they were sent as, Missionaries to Burmah, and had no special duty to perform till they arrived there, we should probably To their have heard nothing of the conversion of the sailors. honour be it stated, they commenced their labours on board the vessel as early after their embarkation as possible. They not only preached on deck, by the kind and cheerful permission of the Captain, but embraced opportunities of conversing with the crew in the forecastle, and while one was engaged in teaching a poor foreigner to read the English language, the other was While performing the same kind office for another foreigner. pursuing these works of love, the

tor, and as a comforter. Such were the effects which followed, the sailors as well as the Missionaries exclaimed, "that instead of the ship being a floating prison, it was a floating heaven."

2. We are taught by this interesting event the efficacy of prayer.

Holy Spirit descended as a moni- at a throne of grace. O! pray for them that they may be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Perhaps few men are placed in more trying circumstances than they are. Compelled by their calling to be with men of no religion, and exposed to their sneers and scoffs, they will greatly need the ballast of divine grace to enable them steadily to keep on their way. O! pray for them, that out of the fulness of Christ they may receive, and grace for grace. There are many other evils unavoidably connected with a seafaring life, which must be detrimental to the spiritual growth of the christian. Among these may be enumerated, absence from the means of grace-the time which is spent in ports where the gospel is not preached-the situation of sailors as strangers who have few or none to watch over them, to admonish or console them, even in places where evangelical truth is proclaimed. A consideration of all these circumstances should excite the sympathy and prayers of all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

No one present at the prayer meeting, when the Missionaries were commended to the protection of the Lord, can easily forget the solemn services of that evening. There was a remarkable spirit of devotion. And while the Missionaries were prayed for, the officers and men were not forgotten. There is reason to believe that the prayer of faith was heard. A sceptic may smile at this remark, but Christians who believe that God has made it their duty to pray, and that he answers prayer, will give it the importance it deserves.

3. Let us be encouraged to hope that our Missionary brethren will be succeeded in their labors. A recollection of what the Lord has done, should inspire us with confidence in him for future success. The conduct of our brethren on board the ship is a pledge that they will enter on their labours with zeal, and persevere in them with faithfulness and constancy. The same power which accompanied their ministrations on the water, can with the greatest ease subdue the hearts of Burmans to the truth. May we not indulge the hope that this power will be exerted, till we hear that Gaudma has fallen, and his votaries have become the humble followers of the Son of God.

4. I cannot dismiss this paper without entreating christians to

May the Lord keep them from falling, and grant them an abundant entrance into his heavenly kingdom. In whatever part of the world they may terminate the voyage of life, it is my earnest prayer that each of them may have the triumphant feelings so beautifully expressed in the lines. of Henry Kirke White,

Now safely moor'd, my perils o'er,
I'll sing, first in night's diadem,
Forever, and forevermore,
The Star-the Star of Bethlehem.

remember these converted sailors Boston, Feb. 2, 1819.

EUMENES.

Missionary Intelligence.

BURMAN MISSION.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. COLMAN, TO ONE OF THE EDITORS.

SERAMPORE, June 25, 1818.

My dear and respected Pastor,

Before this time you have undoubtedly concluded that we have joined our dear friends in Burmah. But the Lord has directed otherwise. The trade between Calcutta and Rangoon is very dull. No freight can be obtained for the latter place. In addition to this, the south east monsoon has set in which is directly contrary to vessels proceeding to any port of the Burman dominions. But we feel more contented to remain here now, than we did a short time since. Mr. Felix Carey has lately arrived at Serampore, and has generously offered to instruct as in the Burman language until an opportunity offers for our conveyance to Rangoon. Accordingly we have all commenced, and feel, I believe, real satisfaction in treading this new path. We find it rugged and intricate; but hope it will ere long conduct us to an extensive field of usefulness and pleasure. We look forward to the time when, in this language, we shall speak the words of eternal life to the perishing heathens. And must it not be a most animating consideration to us, that through this channel the waters of the sanctuary will flow to the millions of Burmah, cleansing their hearts from sin, and sweeping away every vestige of their former idolatry? This prospect, 1 confess, exhilarates my spirits; strings every nerve, and awakens every dormant feeling. True, the heat of the climate has a most enfeebling tendency, and the su

perstition of the heathen rises like a mountain before the missionary. But while reading the promises of God, he will be led to say, "who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain." The eye of the missionary should not be bounded by present objects. He should look forward to the time when the difficulties which at first obstruct his path will be surmounted, and when he shall engage in the delightful employ of pointing pagans to the Lamb of God. For years his lips may be closed in silence. A foreign language must be acquired. This work will consume much of his time and youthful vigour. But this being accomplished, his reward begins to come, then the sweet satisfaction of relating the proposals of mercy to the poor pagans. To them the gospel will be as new as it was to the shepherds on the plains of Judea, or to the apostles when first they were called to follow the Saviour of mankind. To them the history of the Redeemer's birth, and life, and death will be clothed as much with all the charms of novelty, as though it had never been known to an individual upon earth. Anđ should he see the blush of shame, for past transgressions, covering their cheeks, and the tear of penitence stealing from their eyes, will he not felicitate himself for all the sacrifices which he has made, and for all the toils which he has endured? But if through life, he reaps no harvest, still he has the satisfaction to know that the seed is sown, and that it will

eventually produce. If the missionaries at Serampore had not been blessed with a single convert, they could, by no means, lament the manner in which the principal part of their time has been employed. Must it not afford them unspeakable pleasure to reflect that they have given the oracles of truth to millions of the present generation in India, and to millions yet unborn who will reside in the same part of the world? that, in laying the foundation for the future triumphs of our Lord in Asia, they have also laid the foundation for a happy change in the temporal circumstances, and eternal prospects of its vast population to the remotest age of time. Such labours will bear examination in the decline of life, and afford sweet consolation upon a dying bed. A contemplation of them will swell the song of the missionary when he bows before the throne of God, and the Lamb.

The quarter of the globe in which we expect to reside must be interesting to a pious mind. Here our first parents were created; here Abraham lived, and Jesus died. Asia was the most distinguished part of the world for several thousand years. And have we not reason to believe that it will yet be highly distinguished for the triumphs of divine grace? Other sections of the earth are thinly inhabited when compared with this. And when the Hindoos, and Burmans, and Chinese are converted, what a loud anthem of praise will arise to our blessed Lord? May we not suppose that Palestine will yet be the most interesting spot upon the surface of the globe? When the Jews shall return to the land of their fore-fathers; when they shall plant their vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof without molestation ;

when they shall rebuild Jerusa-. lem; and when, with holy transport they shall ascend Mount Calvary, and worship him who there was crucified, will not the eyes of the whole world be fastened upon them? Will they not be comparable to the prodigal son, and excite the admiration and praise of angels and men? But I must forbear, though inclination prompts me to enlarge.

were

A few days since we much distressed by a report that the Portuguese priests, the Armenians, and Baptist Missionaries had been ordered to leave the Burman Empire immediately. With much anxiety I went to Calcutta to ascertain what credit should be attached to the report. After much fatigue I found that the Portuguese Priests had been ordered to leave the Empire on suspicion that they were spies of the British Government. I saw a letter, however, from Mr. Hough which states, that he had been examined upon the ground of suspicion, but says nothing with reference to his being sent away. I also learnt that the Vice Roy of Rangoon considers the charge against the Portuguese Priests to be unfounded, and intends to intercede for them. Being a relation of the royal family, and high in favour with the Prince, it is supposed that his mediation will restore them to their former condition. We had many fearful prehensions, but after hearing every part of the story, we can with confidence say, that we consider them entirely unnecessary. I did intend to say nothing of this report, but as it was published in the papers, I was afraid that it might reach the United States, and produce needless fears in the minds of our friends. The opinion given above, accords with that of the brethren at Serampore.

ap

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WHEELOCK, TO ONE OF THE ED-
ITORS.

On board the Independence, at sea

Dear Sir,

March 26, 1818.

We are now anxiously looking EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. for Mr. Judson. About the time we sailed from Boston, he sailed, from Rangoon, bound to Chittigong, which is about half way between Calcutta and Rangoon. But the vessel being dull at sailing, could make no progress against the head winds. After being upon the water twelve weeks she reached Masaulipatam, which upon the opposite shore of the bay. During a part of this time, the people on board suffered much for want of provisions and water. I understand that for five days Mr. Judson had only a wine glass of water. From Masaulipatam, he We same by land to Madras.

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have great reason to be thankful that the Lord has preserved him, and trust that he will be brought to us quickly and safely.

I have taken the liberty to send you my diary, and hope that it will in some degree be gratifying, to you. Remember me affectionately to Mrs. S. we hope soon to receive the Magazine from her. With much pleasure I received your letter. It afforded us great satisfaction to learn that you remembered us in your petitions to God. Oh, forget us not. Pray that we may be fitted for our work may be clothed with humility, patience and zeal, and may be rendered abundantly useful. Could I see you, my dear pastor, and some others of my American friends, one of the dearest wishes of my heart would be gratified. But this privilege I expect not on earth. O may we meet in heaven, never, never to be separated.

Yours affectionately,

and respectfully,

J. COLMAN.

No ordinary emotions possess my bosom, while I address my dear, unspeakably dear pastor. Well do I remember the first time that I visited you. I then felt myself to be a sinner, a sinner exposed to the wrath of God. My dear Mrs. C. accompanied me to your dwelling, and for my poor soul, you presented your petitions to the God of grace. It was not long ere I was again permitted to visit you, and recount his gracious dealings toward me. Well do I remember the happy season when you led me down into Jordan's stream, and buried me with Christ in baptism; when you gave me a welcome reception into the bosom of the church, to partake of her joys and sorrows. Nor will the solemn engagements which I there made, ever be forgotten. May they never be broken. I do indeed lament that I have walked so unworthy of God, who hath called me," as I humbly trust, "unto his kingdom and glory."

The fatherly advice, which, from time to time, you have given me; and the tender interest which you have manifested in my welfare, can never be forgotten, can never fail to excite emotions of gratitude. Especially do I remember your kindness in bringing me forward, to enjoy the advantages of an education, that, under God, I might in some degree, be qualified for the great work which he has been pleased to assign me. Language can but feebly describe the feelings of my heart towards you. Forgive, dear sir, the freedom with which 1 write. For out of the abundance of my heart, does my

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