The Christian Spectator

to train them up in the principles of piety and virtue, and they appear to approach nearer to the state of primeval innocence and simplicity, than, perhaps, any other community. Their condition presents a delightful picture of social happiness. The Bible is their directory. Most of them, who are above ten years of age, can read it. A considerable part of their time is employed in offering up praises to the Almighty. Nearly the whole of the Sabbath is spent in prayer, singing, and reading the Holy Scriptures. Every morning, at four o'clock, they assemble in their respective habitations for family worship, when an appropriate psalm is sung. At eleven, all the families meet together on a green, in the front of their dwellings, when John Adams reads prayers and portions of the Scriptures, and one or two psalms are sung. Before sunset, they thus assemble again. Afterwards, they have family prayer, sing the Evening Hymn, and retire to rest.

"This little island is extremely healthy, and produces, with very little labour, all the necessaries of life, and some of its luxuries. The scenery, where this interesting portion of the human race have fixed their habitations, is described as peculiar ly picturesque and beautiful.

From this remote, and, in various respects desirable spot, anxiety, however, is not excluded. The number of ships which touch at this island, both English and American, is now much greater than formerly. John Adams is apprehensive that this may lead to an intercourse between strangers and his people, injurious to their morals and happiness. Although possessing considerable physical strength with the use of his faculties entire, he is yet sensible of his advancing age, and feels desirous, as do the adult portion of his large family, that an individual, of weight and excellence of character, to acquire over the people a personal influence at once just and beneficial, should settle in the island during his life-time. The plans such an individual might form for promoting_the education, religious improvement, and social welfare of the people, John Adams would second with all the influence which he himself derives from their confirmed attachment and affectionate veneration.

"It it the desire of Mr. Adams and his people, that the person who may settle on the island with those views should be an Englishman, a minister, and that he should be sent out under the sanction of the London Missionary Society."

Pitcairn's Island is about six miles in length by three in breadth, and would therefore, with a population as dense as that of the Netherlands or Ireland, sustain from 3000 to 4000 people. It is very fertile, and enjoys a fine climate, being situated twenty-five degrees south of the equator, and surrounded by a wide ex

panse of ocean. Its interesting inhabitants are represented by all who have visited them, as very neat in their dwellings, active and industrious in their habits, and affectionate, cheerful, and modest in their intercourse with each other. Their venerable patriarch is now nearly or quite seventy years of age. We earnestly pray that his successor may be chosen and prepared of God for his paternal office; we know of no trust so interesting and so sacred as that which will be confided to his hands.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

Extract of a letter from the Rev. Mr. NETTLETON, to the Editor of the Christian Mirror, dated, Bolton, Conn. Nov. 25th, 1823.

"The revival of religion in the eastern part of the State of Connecticut, has perhaps never been more interesting than within a few weeks past. I propose to give you the outlines of it from its commencement. It has heretofore been a common remark among christians, that revivals have ever been much less frequent and less powerful, in the eastern, than in the western part of this State. Many of these churches have in years past been favored with seasons more or less reviving; but never with such a general and powerful refreshing from the presence of the Lord.

This revival commenced in SomersJune 1822; and has continued, increasing and spreading like a fire from house to house, and from heart to heart, over sixteen or eighteen churches and congregations, with more or less power and rapidity until the present moment.

The following towns and societies are contiguous, and have all shared in one extensive revival:

In Somers, 150 have hopefully been made the subjects of divine grace.-In South Wilbraham 100.-In Ellington it commenced with power in one congregation, and within a few days, a number were rejoicing in hope, when all at once it stopped-In Tolland, during one week 30 were rejoicing in hope: the number of hopeful conversions there is 130.-In North Coventry 120.-In South Coventry, North Mansfield, and South Mansfield, about 100 each.-In Columbia 40.—In Lebanon 90.-In Goshen 30.-In Bozrah between 60 and 70.-In Montville 90.In Chaplin 50.-The work has recently commenced, and is advancing with power in Hampton, and within a few weeks, 50 or more are rejoicing in hope."

In the above cluster of towns, including Millington and Colchester, where very interesting revivals have commenced within a few weeks past, the number of those in the congregational societies, who have

hopefully experienced a saving change is more than 1300 and of these, more than 300 have already made a public profession of religion.

"In Chatham also, the work has been interesting; about 70 are rejoicing in hope, and 50 or more have made a public profession. In Millington, 55 are expecting to unite with the church on the next sabbath."

"The prospect of the continuance, and spread of this work is as favorable now, if not more so, than at any former period. 'The Lord hath done great things for Zion, whereof we are glad.' And let all her friends humbly rejoice, and bow, and give thanks, and exalt his name together."

A revival of religion has lately commenced at Rochester, N. H. This was recently one of the waste places of that State. A short time since, says the Report of the New Hampshire Missionary Society, Rochester was reckoned among those towns which were beyond the reach of hope.

In Leicester, N. H. there is a very general attention to religion. It commenced more than a year since, and extends to almost every family.

DONATIONS TO RELIGIOUS AND CHAR

ITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

The Treasurer of the American Board of Commisioners for Foreign Missions, acknowledges the receipt of $4,185 31, during the month ending Nov. 12,-also a donation of $1000 to the permanent fund from the Rev. William Robinson and family of Southington, Conn.

The Treasurer of the American Bible Society acknowledges the receipt of $2,604 16, during the month of November. The issues from the depository during the same month were,-Bibles 2147, Testaments 1427;-value $2,032 31.

The Treasurer of the United Foreign Missionary Society, acknowledges the receipt of $261 85, during the month of November.

The Treasurer of the American Tract Society acknowledges the receipt of $209 64, during the same month.

The Treasurer of the American Education Society acknowledges the receipt of $361 23, in the month of November.

The receipts of the American Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews, in the month of November, were $512 82.

Ordinations and Installations.

Oct. 21.-The Rev. CHARLES C. BEATTY was installed pastor over the congregation of Steubenville, Ohio. Sermon by the Rev. John Rhea.

Oct. 28.-The Rev. MARCUS SMITH, was ordained Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Westerlo, N. Y. Sermon by the Rev. Isaac W. Platt.

Nov. 6.-The Rev. CALVIN CUTLER, was ordained over the Congregational Church in Lebanon, N. H. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Tyler, Pres. of Dartmouth College.

Nov. 12.-The Rev. HENRY SLATER, was ordained over the Congregational Church and Society in Jay, N. Y. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Morgan, of Essex, Vermont.

Nov. 13.-At Blooming Grove, the Rev. DANIEL YOUNG was ordained to the work of an Evangelist, by the Presbytery

of Hudson. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Thomas.

Nov. 15.-The Rev. JAMES STAFFORD, was installed pastor over the Congregations of Thyatira and Bethpage, N. c. Sermon by the Rev. Daniel Gould.

Nov. 19.-At Shrewsbury, Mass. the Rev. GEORGE ALLEN was ordained Colleague Pastor with Dr. Sumner. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Nelson of Leicester.

Nov. 19.-The Rev. CHARLES HYDE, was ordained pastor over the churches of Doyleston and Deep Run, Pa. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Engles of Philadelphia.

Dec. 3.-The Rev. CALEB HOBART, was ordained over the Second Parish of North Yarmouth, Me. Sermon by the Rev Mr. Storrs of Braintree,

Dec. 3.-The Rev. WM. A. M'DOWALE, was installed Pastor over the Third Presbyterian Church in Charleston, S. C.

Diew of Public Affairs.

FOREIGN.

SPAIN. From the latest accounts, it appeared that most of the Constitutional Chiefs had ceased to make resistance, and the nation was gradually settling down under the reinstated despotism of the "absolute king" and the Inquisition. The French, having accomplished the object of their Mission, were leaving the Peninsula, but to prevent having their work to do again, they were to leave 30,000 men in

the fortresses of Spain. The weak and capricious Ferdinand by banishing his worthiest subjects and by various oppressive acts, was every day giving fresh proofs of his utter unfitness to reign. Riego, whose name, if the cause in which he was engaged had been as successful as it was worthy, would have been associated with those of Tell and Washington and Bolivar, was after the semblance of a trial, executed on the 5th of Nov. like a common

criminal by the "ordinary punishment of hanging."

The Holy Alliance may now enjoy a respite from their paternal labors for the good of Europe, but that their work is ended is more than appearances permit us to believe. There is still existing, not only in prostrate Spain, but in the whole family of Europe a spirit which, however it may be awed and checked for a time, can by no physical force be ultimately destroyed.

ENGLAND.-A considerable naval force has recently been fitting in the ports of England for foreign service. There has been some speculation among editors, French as well as English, respecting the object of this force; its immediate destination, it is said, is to the West Indies, though there are strong reasons for believing that it has an ultimate reference to the disposition which the Allied Powers may manifest towards the republics of South America. For ourselves we see nothing in the late ferment respecting slavery in the West Indies, which should require the presence of so important an armament.

GREECE. Recent accounts from this quarter are conflicting and unsatisfactory. A careful review however of the closing campaign authorizes us to say that it has been disastrous to the Turks, because in all its important points, they have failed of

success.

The latest accounts mentioned the return of their fleet to Constantinople, having the plague on board. It was also stated that there was some appearance of a mutiny among the Janissaries.

Although the Greeks have achieved nothing decisive of the struggle in which they are engaged, their heroic efforts have called forth a favourable expression of public sentiment both in England and on the continent, and have enlisted many active friends in their cause. A letter from Zurich, dated Oct. 16, mentioned the departure for Greece, of three divisions of Swiss volunteers, besides a band of Ger"The Swiss had sent off two conmans. voys of arms, munitions, medicines, com. mon and lithographic presses, with surgeons and engineers.'

The Greek Society at London has sent a second agent to Greece.

DOMESTIC.

In the United States the cause of the Greeks has recently excited an unusual degree of attention. At an early period

of the present session of Congress, Mr. Webster of Massachusetts submitted to the House of Representatives a resolution, providing for the expences incident to the appointment of an Agent or Commissioner to Greece, whenever the President shall deem it expedient to make such appointment.

In offering the resolution, Mr. Webster stated,it was far from being his wish,in any manner, to commit the House, in this or any of the political contests of Europe; but the President of the United States having, in his message to Congress, not only expressed a belief that the Greek nation in its present struggle with its opposers, had the good wishes of the whole civilized world, but also advanced the opinion that the Turkish dominion over that country, was lost forever; he thought that if such were the fact, it was important that congress should act upon the subject. The main object he had in view he confessed, was to obtain from this House, an expression, responsive to the sentiment of the Message, in reference to the sacrifices and sufferings of that heroic people-sacrifices and sufferings, which ought to excite the sympathy of every liberal minded man in Europe as well as in this country. But whatever might be the case with other nations, we certainly ought_not_to_be_restrained from expressing, with freedom what are our views in relation to the Greek cause, so far as may be done without committing ourselves in the contest. really did hope that we should show to the world, that there is at least, one government which does entertain a proper view of that barbarous despotism, which under the eyes of Europe, has been permitted, by a system of the foulest atrocity, to attempt to crush an interesting christian nation.

And he

In most of our large towns and Literary Institutions, meetings have been held in reference to this subject, and resolutions adopted, expressive of sentiments alike honorable to our citizens as members of a free community, and as friends of humanity. They speak a language worthy of the cause which called them forth, and such as the circumstances of the age require. They are a proof too, of the existence, and the energy of that principle in the American people, which removes them farther from the supporters of legiti macy, than the breadth of the Atlantic, and is a safer bulwark than its billows.

Answers to Correspondents.

C; three communications from A. R. R. and one or two papers without signatures have been received.

We would thank such of our corpespondents as continue their communications in a series of Numbers, to forward the successive Numbers as early in each month as may be convenient.

THE

CHRISTIAN SPECTATOR.

No. 2.]

FEBRUARY 1, 1824.

Keligious Communications.

For the Christian Spectator. The Influence of Missions upon Science and Literature.

THE general subject of missions has at length become familiar. At the present day it is comparatively unnecessary to speak of their importance or their efficacy. Their importance has been felt; and the christian world is rousing itself to noble efforts; efforts which will not die away; efforts which opposition can only increase. Their efficacy has been seen; if any man desires it, we only point to Otaheite, or to South-Africa-we only ask him to read the history of Pomarre, or Africaner. It is, in short, admitted that missions are attended with many salutary consequences at home and abroad, that they are intimately connected, in a variety of respects, with the social improvement of man,-with the best temporal interests of the world. On some of these points of connection, much has been said; but I do not know that any thing has been brought forward, very distinctly and expressly respecting the connexion between missions and the general progress of literature.

On this subject I propose to offer a few remarks. My object will be a statement of facts, rather than an attempt at philology or rhetoric.

It is obvious that the subject may be viewed in two general aspects, as it relates to the countries where missions are established, and as it relates to other countries; the subject may be considered in relation to pagan VOL. VI.-No. 2.

[VOL. VI.

countries, and to Christian countries. A full exhibition of either part would occupy more room than my limits will allow. On the latter I shall principally dwell, offering only a few hints upon the former.

Let us then, first, consider the subject in relation to christian countries. What is the connexion between missions, and the interests of literature at home?

Before proceeding to the particular topics to be presented on this part of the subject, I wish to suggest three considerations of a more general nature.

First, we should bear in mind the literary exertions and enquiries which missions indirectly occasion. The communications of the Catholic missionaries of China excited such an attention to the literature and

history of that empire in France, that many memoirs upon them were read in the academies, and many volumes published to the world.(a) Another fact deserves to be noticed. In the first nineteen volumes of the Quarterly Review, there are no less than fourteen reviews, occasioned by missionary publications.

Secondly, we should bear in mind the numerous volumes which flow directly from missions. The singie publications of the French missionaries, called, "Letters Edifying and Curious," grew to half a hundred large volumes.

"These," says a

(a) This is the foundation for Sir William Jones' remark, that none but the French had made any efforts to elucidate the literature of China.

and of course with its general progress. But they actually have enlarged the amount of human knowledge. They have made important contributions to several departments, and particularly to geography, the natural sciences, moral and civil history.philology,and oriental literature.

Catholic clergyman.(b) for whose partialities we must, however, make some abatement,-"These were not only read with avidity by the friends of religion, but consulted and studied by all the scholars of Europe." The publications of the various protestant societies of Europe and America comprise a far greater number of volumes; and these volumes are in reality valuable.(c) Some of them contain, it is freely admitted, much that is uninteresting, and much that is offensive to taste. The journals of some of the missionaries are particularly liable to this charge; amendments of natives from different and ment in this respect may, however, be expected, especially as the subject is exciting attention in our literaary publications. (d) But the same charge lies against three fourths of our books of travels.(e)

Finally, we must bear in mind that these publications tend to diffuse a species of knowledge, which otherwise must be much more limited. Acquaintance with foreign manners and customs is generally confined to scholars, or to the higher ranks of life; to those who have access to public libraries, or can purchase extensive works. But the missionary publications carry information on these subjects to the poorest and most secluded citizen. Not many years since, it was a matter of dispute in England, whether suicide was actually the custom of the Hindoo widow. Now, almost every child in the kingdom well knows the fact.

If then it could not be shown that missions have added any thing to the common stock of knowledge, the considerations now stated, might show that they stand in an important connection with its general diffusion,

(b) Who abridged the original in 8 volumes, 8vo, in 1817.-Prel. Lett. Ed.

(d) See Evangelical and Literary Mag

azine.

(e) Eg. Lewis & Clark in North-America; full of vulgarity and indecencies.Mawe in South-America; so much sleep at night, and so many miles by day.

It is easy to see how missions contribute, both to the definiteness and the extent of geographical knowledge. They are generally established in countries which have never been fully explored, and the missionaries, by their own journies, and by the state

distant places, may learn many particulars which must wholly escape the transient traveller. No nations have been more distinguished for their additions to geographical science, than the Spanish and Portu guese, and their missionaries to America, Africa and China, claim a share in this honor. The fathers in Pekin published a large map of the Chinese empire. The first accounts of Congo and Abyssinia, were from the missionaries in those countries. Many of the men were indeed exceedingly stupid;-they expected to infuse christianity into the sable kings and queens by the mere process of flagellation. In every trifling occurrence, they read a miracle performed in their behalf by the holy virgin, or by some departed saint. Still they added to the knowledge of their countrymen. One(a) of them describes the very same sources of the Nile which Bruce afterwards visited, and describes them, it is said, as minutely as that celebrated traveller. The Jesuits in South America explored regions which had been entered by no European. In these excursions, many lost their lives.(b)

(a) Father Payz Quart. Rev. vol. 17, p.

332.

(b) They were sometimes cut off by the savages. Sometimes, in passing on the river, the missionaries, with their converts, would sing hymns, &c. These would attract the savages (very fond of music,) to the banks, and draw them after the boats, thus realizing the fables of Orpheus. Lett. Ed.

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The Christian Spectator, Volume 6