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died, his wife, with an infant, were driven into the large bush near Mount Coke, where she continued five days and nights without food, except a few roots which she pulled up, which just kept her alive : when she came out of the bush, she came first to Mount Coke, but could scarcely walk, in consequence of having no food to nourish and strengthen her, and the child sucking at her breast: the weather had been very cold during the time, in consequence of heavy rains: the child not having strength to endure such a trial, only lived a day or two afterwards: when she came out to our house, she requested me to give her a sheep-skin to screen her from the inclemency of the weather: when I gave it to her, I exhorted her to begin and seek Him, who could clothe her with the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

Caffre Superstitions on Witchcraft. We extract the following passages from the Journal of Mr. Shaw, at Wesleyville.

Feb. 21, 1828- The eldest son of Pâto, our Chief, was lately circumcised; and not having speedily recovered, many of the counsellors of the Tribe insist upon calling a "Wise-Woman," in order to ascertain who has bewitched the youth: they are also of opinion, that a disorder, under which Pâto has suffered some time, is produced by witchcraft; and that from the same cause has arisen the mortality among his cattle, seven or eight beasts having died within the last two months. By evening, the wise-woman had arrived at Pâto's kraal, and commenced her ceremonies.

Feb. 22-The Natives are collecting from all directions, and it was expected that the wise-woman would proceed; but she has postponed the business until the people of a certain neighbourhood arrive. I was afraid lest they should continue the usual dance and Heathenish Ceremonies on the approaching Sabbath; and, therefore, sent a message to the Chiefs, desiring them to recollect that to-morrow was the Lord's Day: they sent back an answer, that they would bear in mind my request-nothing should be done to-morrow, but they would come to Divine Worship.

Feb. 23: Sunday The Chiefs kept their promise; and, in consequence of so many strangers being here, the Congregation was unusually large: the Chapel was quite crowded, and thirteen

Chiefs were present, with almost every man of much influence in the tribe. They all listened with very great attention, while I preached to them on, He, that heareth you, heareth me; and he, that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he, that despiseth me, despiseth Him that sent me. I spoke strongly to them, on their awful responsibility arising from the preaching of the Gospel among them; and particularly reminded them, that though the Gospel had been preached among the Tribe for four years, yet none of the Chiefs had been baptized, but still continued to follow their Heathenish Customs. I afterward heard that some of them acknowledged to our people, even with tears, that all which had been said in the Sermon was true, and of great importance; but they asked, "What can we do? We have long heard with our ears, but our hearts are not changed." Lord, pour out Thy Spirit on this people, that they may not only hear and understand, but also be converted, that Thou

mayest heal them!

Feb. 24-Yesterday afternoon, all the people residing in the immediate neighbourhood assembled at Pâto's kraal: at least seven hundred men and women were present: they all formed into a large circle, and commenced the ceremonies preparatory to the appearance of the wise-woman, by beating on the shafts of their lances, with their "intonga," or fencing-sticks. This was done in regular time, and produced a singular effect; while the women accompanied this exercise of the men, by clapping their hands and singing. I was much affected at the sight of such unmixed Heathenism; and felt alarmed lest the culprit should be sacrificed, as the note of preparation evidently had the effect of exciting the fury of the people.

The residents of the Mission Village all stood round me, on the lower side of the circle; and, like myself, were spectators of the proceedings, taking no part whatever therein: this formed a pleasing contrast to the painful scene before me, and it could not fail to be observed by the other Natives.

At length the wise-woman appeared, accompanied by a few men and women of the clan to which she belongs. She had tied two or three handkerchiefs round her waist: her face had been coloured on one side with white clay, and the other had been made quite black with charcoal: her body was smeared with

grease and red ochre: two large tufts, made of the hair of wild animals, were fastened on her head; and, in her hand, she held three spears: altogether, nothing could be devised, by human ingenuity, to render her appearance more hideous or disgusting.

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After running round the circle several times, and performing several unmeaning but odd antics, she delivered a short address, intimating her unwillingness to proceed; and also stating, that she knew not what influenced her, but she did not feel her usual freedom. One of the counsellors now addressed her, and urged her to the most strenuous exertions for the discovery of the culprit: among other observations, he said, "We are all weeping our Chief is already sick, and his cattle are dying every day and now another evil thing, which we did not expect, has happened-the lad, the son of the Chief, is bewitched; therefore go on, let us see how it will end." The artful woman having drawn this speech from the very man whom she intended charging with the crime, immediately answered, "I am glad you say so: let us go to your kraal: you must shew us the way, and there I will produce and exhibit something." All now ran off to the man's kraal, where the woman produced a bag of" Ubootie," or bewitching matter, and which appeared to have been hidden in a pool of water. My fears were excited for the man; but I was relieved by the information, that Pâto had given no orders for the seizure of his person or of his cattle: the ceremonies of this day, he had decided, should only be those which they call "Ukumbulēlo;" in which case only the bewitching matter is sought out, while the offender is not formally announced. It is however likely, that, before long, the people will be again assembled, to go through the ceremonies called "Umhlahlo," when the names of the offender or offenders will be announced, and they will, as usual, be punished and tortured.

Mediterranean.

Increasing Strictness of the Turks in

Mahomedan Observances. THE REV. Josiah Brewer, lately returned to the United States from the Mediterranean, has communicated,

through an American Publication, the following notices relative to the present state of Mahomedanism in Turkey: peculiar interest attaches to them under the existing circumstances of that Empire.

The MUFTI is the Chief Priest, or nominal head of that class of Mahomedans who are of the Sect of Omar, and who are mostly within the limits of the Turkish Empire. When the Sultans, says one, became weary of wielding both the Sword and Mitre of Mahomet, the Mitre was delegated to the Mufti. The FETWAS, or written opinions, of this High Priest are necessary to give force to any law. In ordinary circumstances, the will of the Sultan is sufficient to secure these fetwas: there have been times, however, when the Mufti, aided by the ULEMAS, or body of the higher clergy, have formed a strong party against him. On such occasions, the disorderly Janissaries were the chief agents in executing their disloyal purposes: by secretly fomenting disturbances among those lawless soldiers, they have often succeeded in setting aside the Grand Vizier, or Prime-Minister, and sometimes in deposing theGrand Seignior

himself.

The ostensible object of restoring Mahomedanism to its ancient purity has been set forth by the Sultan, in all the recent changes which he has effected. Such, too, have been the external results. Accordingly, the use of wine, so common among the Janissaries, is now rarely indulged in, and that only in private. Games of chance, which are likewise forbidden in the Korân, are abstained from more rigidly, at least in Smyrna.

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The Fast of the Ramadan, and other requisitions of their religion, are now observed by them with increased strictness. During the thirty days of the last Ramadan, few Mussulmans, there is reason to believe, from the banks of the Pruth to the borders of Persia, partook of the least refreshment, from the time it was light enough to distinguish a grey thread from a black," until the evening-gun announced that the sun had set. Throughout their recent difficulties, the proclamations of the Sultan, exhorting the people to a more frequent attendance at the mosques, have been very generally obeyed. Two additional seasons of daily prayer were becoming common among them. Just before I left

Smyrna, they were again called on, in view of the impending war with Russia, to reform all abuses which had crept into their religious practice, to remove every article of gold from their apparel, and to arm themselves with fortitude to meet the coming contest.

The new soldiery are very strict in the performance of their devotions. Often have I seen them, when dismissed from duty at night, running to the sea or to a fountain; and, having performed their ablutions, kneel down publicly and offer their prayers: it should be added, however, that in this place there were no regular mosques. Books, illustrating and commending the Mahomedan Faith, have been put into the hands of the IMAUNS, or Chaplains, attached to all the regiments.

The Sultan himself continues, with undeviating strictness, his weekly at tendance, on Fridays, at the principal mosques of the city and suburbs.

With Mahomedans, theology and jurisprudence, as with the Israelites of old, are intimately blended together. The Priest and the Judge appeal alike to the Korân, and to the Commentaries of distinguished Moolahs on that "Book of the Law." The MOOLAHS, or Doctors of the Law, are next in rank to the Mufti. The IMAUNS, or Parish Priests, stand in much the same relation to the Moolahs, as Parochial Clergy to their Bishop. The CADIS, or Judges of different ranks, are taken from both classes. The SHEIKHS are Preachers, who sometimes declaim very earnestly against the corruption of morals. The DERVISHES correspond to the Monks of other religions: in general, they are esteemed as persons of uncommon sanctity: like the Monks of the Eastern and Catholic Churches, they are probably, however, the worst class of the people: there were said to be twelve orders of them, one of which has been suppressed, in consequence of its connection with the Janissaries.

The different Orders of Clergy at Constantinople are estimated at from 10 to 30,000. If recent accounts may be credited, to their Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Literary character, they are about to add the Military; having been summoned by the Sultan, to put on "the war tur

ban." They monopolize most of the little learning which is found in the country; and are supposed to be, from principle, hostile to the progress of civilization and political reform.

In different parts of the city are to be seen covered tombs of the most holy of the Dervishes. Some of these are reputed to have laid up for others such a superabundance of good works, as will be available by them during hundreds of years to come. Multitudes are accustomed to resort to their tombs for this purpose, and to kindle their lamps around them. The iron gratings of the windows are filled likewise with shreds of garments, which the sick have sent thither, in expectation of thus obtaining some relief from their diseases.

To restore Mahomedanism from its declension has been, as was heretofore remarked, the ostensible object in all the recent changes, which have taken place in the institutions of the Turks. It was in practice, however, rather than in principle, that this declension had taken place. The Janissaries and the Dervishes were lovers of wine. The people at large may have grown remiss in some trifling observances, and their attachment to Islamism slumbered. The conquests of the Wahabites in Arabia, and the interruption of intercourse by sea with Egypt and Syria in consequence of the Greek Revolution, had greatly diminished the pilgrimages to Mecca: still there are numbers who are dignified with the title of HADGEE, from having either performed in person, or sustained the expense of that most meritorious act of a Mussulman. Troops of pilgrims are also seen passing to and from their Holy City, by the great caravan routes of Asia Minor.

But be the practice of the Turks as it may, few of them, it is believed, are inclined to doubt the divine authority of the Koran. By no means so intellectual or inquisitive as the Persians, there is among them no such considerable class of secret unbelievers, as the Soofies of those hated followers of Ali.

Egypt.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE chief facts relative to the Egyptian Mission, up to the latter part of September, were noticed at pp. 49, 50 of the Survey. We shall here give some details, chiefly relative to the state of the people; and shall bring the intelligence to the latest dates.

Mr. Mueller, in the early part of

1829.]

MEDITERRANEAN.

January, gives the following view deed, are as yet to be seen, but that the Scriptures are read diligently in many of the houses.

General State of the Mission. With respect to our labour of faith in Egypt, we have reason to be thankful for the manifold opportunities which the Lord affords us of doing good in this benighted country. On Sunday we have the opportunity of preaching the Gospel in Arabic, Italian, English, and German. During the week, some of us visit and make further acquaintance with Native Christians, and receive visits from them: others superintend the School, and sell and distribute the Word of God in Caïro; and others travel about with that treasure of Divine Knowledge. Thus we are going on to sow and to plant, humbly hoping that the Lord will give the

increase.

As to the opinion which the Natives have of us, we are inclined to think that the better-instructed class think rather favourably of the work in which we are engaged; others, that we are political persons, or spies, sent by the British Government to explore the country, and to prepare the way for the English: and such we are, not only in a worldly, but in a spiritual sense; sent, as we trust, by our Heavenly Lawgiver: and we are bound to say, with Caleb and Joshua, Let us go up at once and possess the land, for we are well able to overcome it.

Mr. Gobat's Proceedings at Alexandria.

In reference to the state of his health, Mr. Gobat thus speaks on the 11th of September

I have been here since the 24th of July: for the last six weeks I have been affected with ophthalmia. At Caïro I had been indisposed, which brought me hither; and here I have repeated attacks of dysentery, which always makes me half-blind again. The ophthalmia is not, indeed, painful, this year; but always to be confined at home, and unable to read and write, will often be irksome. For these last two days, I have been able to read and write tolerably well. I intend to leave this evening for Caïro, as travelling ever proves advantageous

to my health.

From the beginning of my complaints I have had frequent opportunities to announce the Gospel. Scarcely any day passes without visits of Arabs, Italians, Frenchmen, Germans, Englishmen, &c. and especially of Jews. No fruits, in

There are seven learned Frenchmen here; who have been sent by the French Government, with the charge of transcribing and illustrating the hieroglyphics. Their head is the renowned Champollion; who reads the hieroglyphics with as much readiness as his native language, and states that he finds all in the hieroglyphics that the Bible relates of Egypt &c. This will give a mighty stroke to the learned infidels of Europe. I have often seen these Gentlemen, and hope to meet them in Cairo. M. Champollion stated, that, among the higher classes in Paris, and France in general, there was prevailing so much religious excitement as must absolutely produce great events: either Catholicism must be completely reformed, or all France must become Protestant: People want the Bible!

At Alexandria, Mr. Gobat had been attended by many Franks; but, not feeling their own misery, they disliked the doctrine of the Cross there were, however, a few serious and inquiring persons. The Native Christians who attended him One who were excommunicated.

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is high in authority with the Pacha reads the Bible diligently: of a near relative of this person Mr. Gobat

says

I am almost inclined to consider him a true Christian. He declared that he likes to read his Bible better than any other book, because he finds there more for his understanding and for his heart, than in books whose authors are men. He observed also to me, that it is a great mercy that we are saved by faith alone, which faith cannot exist in those who live in sin.

Discussion with Mahomedans at Rosetta.

In Mr. Mueller's Journey in the Delta, in August last, mentioned at p. 50, some conversations took place

with Mahomedans, which we shall here extract from his communi

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his adorations at the shrine of the Prophet, and twice he went on business; and is, no doubt, considered by his countrymen as one well skilled in the traditions of their elders.

We began to call in question the religion of his Prophet, the inspiration of the Korân, and the possibility of its precepts being obeyed by men of all nations: we adverted to the Fast of Ramadan, and shewed the impossibility of observing it within the Polar Circles when it happened to fall in summer, as the sun is then above the horizon in some places several months together. He listened with evident emotions of impatience; and, when we had finished, instead of replying to our arguments, he commenced chanting a few verses from the Korân, which he thought would be sufficient to refute all that we had advanced. We soon, however, informed him, that we could not receive his quotations from the Korân as arguments, for we did not believe it to be a revelation from heaven: on the contrary, we considered it as a mere fiction, and its author as an impostor. "It is true," we remarked, "there are some good things in it; but it is only like base coin, which will not bear examination." He was wonderstruck with our boldness; and, turning to one of his friends, he sighed with a countenance which bespoke, "Behold what infidels these Englishmen are!"

As an inducement for him to continue the conversation, we declared that we were ready to embrace Islamism, provided he could prove the Divine Authority of the Korân. He answered, in an indignant tone, I will not only give one, but one hundred proofs ;" and forthwith began again to quote his Korân.

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We told him that one strong objection to the Korân is, that it does not correspond with the former Revelations which God gave to men: if they are true, the Koran is false, and vice versa. But," continued we, all Moslems acknow. ledge that the Law, the Psalms, the Prophets, and the Gospel descended from Heaven." ." "Yes," he replied, " but, at the same time, the Korân was also from God." Taking up a Letter from our friend Mr. M., it was remarked, "This is our friend M.'s handwriting and seal; and provided he were our correspondent, we asked how could we detect a forgery? Was it not by comparing it with what we knew to be really genuine? Now,"

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added we, we have compared the Korân with the former Revelations which came down from Heaven, and we find the hand-writing is not the same, nor has it the impression of the same seal."

"Besides," we observed, "if your religion is true, some intimation would have been given in the former Revelation of the advent of such an eminent prophet as you say Mahomed is: but no such intimation has been given; for, while the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets have testified to the coming of the Messiah, there is not a single word spoken of Mahomed!" He now stormed, and declared that we were "liars; for Jesus Christ, in the Gospel, has spoken of the sealer-up of all prophecy, namely, Mahomed; upon whom be peace!" We solemnly assured him that he was imposed upon; for we had perused the Scriptures of Truth, and could bear witness that the name of his prophet did not exist there.

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We further remarked, that Jesus Christ had warned His followers to beware of false prophets, and not to believe in them. He replied, "The Christians have adulterated the Scriptures!" We answered, it was impossible, as he himself very well knew; for the Jews were always enemies to the Christians, and would have at once discovered the im

position. He now began to feel the force of our argument, and a smile of confusion pervaded his countenance.

One of his friends, who till now was a hearer, struck in, and thought to silence us by quoting a verse or two from the Korân; but our Hadgee soon told him, it was in vain to quote the Korân, as we did not believe it.

Perceiving their confusion, we now insisted on their believing the Gospel of Christ; and spoke to them of the love of God in sending His Son to die for sinners; and requested the Hadgee to accompany us to our lodgings, and told him that we would put into his hands the True Word of God; begging him to read it with earnest and solemn prayer, and to compare it with the Korân; and if he found that the evidence in favour of the Koran preponderated, we had no objection to his continuing a Moslem.

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During the course of conversation, he swore that he had never met such fellows," who dared thus to insult his Prophet.

After some hesitation, he agreed to

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