learned of the Parsees give of their origin, after Mahomedanism had spread over Arabia, and began to pervade Persia, the ancestors of the Indo-Parsees retired to the mountains, where they continued till the overthrow of the Persian monarchy and the death of the last sovereign. Finding themselves outlaws, and the religion of their native country overthrown, they wandered towards the port of Ormus, where they resided fifteen or twenty years, and acquired the art of ship-building. Afterwards they proceeded to the island of Deeo, where they sojourned for some time; but, finding it too small for their increasing numbers, they embarked for Goojurat, and anchored off a town called Seyjan, then governed by Jadee Rana, and near a point of land still known to European mariners by the name of St. John. After negociation with this prince, they were permitted to land, on condition that they disarmed themselves, and assumed the Hindoo dress, form of marriage, and language. At this place they first introduced the holy fire, and remained stationary for several hundred years. Afterwards, many of them, with their families, settled at Nowsaree, Ooclaceon, Baroda, Cambay, &c.

At Surat and Bombay the number of Parsees is considerable. They are in general an enterprising people, and, under the fostering care of the British, increase in wealth. Though they do not worship idols, they offer religious homage to the sun, moon, stars, fire, and water; but their great aim appears to be to amass wealth. In general they are very unwilling to enter into discussion respecting their own religion, or that of others. There are two sects of them in Surat; but the chief object of their contention appears of trivial moment, i. e. whether there be, according to their chronology, an intercalary month.

P

One class denies it with violence, and the other as eagerly defends it. These classes have different temples, in which the "Atish Behoram," or sacred fire, is kept constantly burning.

The Parsee females, according to their religious tenets, are placed on an equality with the males. Many of the women in Goojurat can read and write the vernacular language with ease and elegance. The Parsees frequently undertake voyages to different parts of India, and some have recently come to Europe; but the females never quit their community, holy places, and sacred fires. Few of the Parsees follow literature,---their chief exertions are directed to the pursuits of commerce.

In all the large towns in Goojurat are to be found a remarkable race of men, called Bohoras. They are Mahomedans in religion, but in features, manners, and genius, resemble the Jews. They every where form a distinct community, are noted for their address in making a good bargain, and in unremitting attention to the amassing of money. They seem to know little of their origin, but generally say that their forefathers were Hindoos, who were compelled by the conquering power of the Mahomedans to adopt the religion of the latter, or forfeit their lives. Many of them travel in Goojurat as pedlars.

No individual influenced by correct views and feelings in regard to the evangelization of the world, can avoid deploring the painful fact that so little has been attempted for the spiritual good of the inhabitants of this extensive country; yet we rejoice that they have not been left entirely destitute. Mr. Aratoon, under the auspices of the Serampore missionaries, was, perhaps, the first individual professing the Protestant

faith, who entered Goojurat with the express desigu of making known the Gospel to its idolatrous inhabitants. He reached Surat in 1812, and, after labouring nine years among them, returned to Bengal.

In the year 1815 the London Missionary Society commenced a mission at Surat, a city which may be regarded as the key of this populous and interesting province. Since that period the missionaries have translated into Goojuratee, the vernacular dialect of the province, the entire Scriptures. Two editions of the Old Testament, three editions of the New Testament, with one edition of the Four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, have been printed at the mission press, nearly all of which have been distributed among the people. Upwards of 200,000 religious tracts have also been printed, and circulated throughout the province. Eight individuals have been called into the fellowship of the Gospel from among the heathen; several others appear to be earnestly seeking religious instruction; the schools of the mission, which are conducted on scriptural principles, are well attended; the Scriptures and tracts are sought after and read with avidity; and the preaching of the Gospel is at present better attended than at any former period since the commencement of the mission. All is tending, we firmly believe, to the grand consummation, the conversion of the people from their idolatries, and the abominations connected with them, to the knowledge, love, fear, and service of the true God, and his Son Jesus Christ.

The mission continues to be liberally supported by pious and benevolent Europeans; and several of them having, at different periods, been brought under the power of the Gospel, through the instrumentality of the missionaries, have been active and useful in dis

tributing tracts and Scriptures among the natives, and in conversing with them respecting the things which belong to their peace. A spirit of affectionate harmony, brotherly kindness, and charity, has been preserved between the christian brethren throughout the province, which has alleviated their trials, and promoted their usefulness. The missionaries, relying on the power and promises of the great Lord of missions, believe that the time is fast hastening when the Goojurat country shall be emptied of all its lying vanities, and Christianity in all its fulness and freeness be received as the religion of its inhabitants. Then it will become one of the most happy and delightful regions on earth, and the whole country exemplify, in the highest sense, the import of the designation, its key-city, Surat, "Beauty," now bears-because "the beauty of the Lord" will be upon it!

ON THE MISSIONARY,

LINES

MARTYN, ASCENDING THE TABLE MOUNTAIN AT THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE *

He climb'd the lonely mountain, on Afric's utmost

shore,

And thought of dear companions, he ne'er should walk with more:

A death-like desolation came o'er his feeling heart; The world appeared a desert, from all he lov'd apart.

He climb'd the lonely mountain, and, in his mournful mood,

Mused o'er the heav'nward journey which all his soul pursued ;

What hard ascent we find it, and how the pilgrim saint

In climbing Zion's mountain, is friendless oft and faint.

And yet, as on he laboured, he saw the streams de

scend,

That spoke of heav'nly comforts, which oft the saint befriend ;

And though his path was steeper as near the wishedfor height,

Sweet hope of rest reviv'd him, and made his foot

step light.

* See the beautiful passage in his Journal, on which these stanzas are founded.