THE CHRISTIAN HERALD.

VOL. III.]

Saturday, July 19, 1817.

[No. 17.

Extract of a letter from Mr. Read to the Directors of the Missionary

Society.

HEPHZIBAH, Bushmen's Land, 4th Oct. 1816.

HONOURED AND DEAR BRETHREN,

After hearing from me from Grace Hill, you will be anxious to hear of our further progress: I left Grace Hill on the 18th ult. and arrived at this place on the 21st, late at night. The country is delightful, far beyond that part of the Bushmen's country which Mr. Campbell and I passed. We met with only four Bushmen on our way; the reason was that most of these people had fled to the colony, or near it, from the Corannas, who have made war against them; and we were here four days before we met with any. We were much warned against lions, but have not seen one; and the truth of Mr. Campbell's observations seems more and more confirmed, that the lions of Africa are chained. The morning after our arrival we met for prayer, and after consultation, we began and finished two kraals for the cattle and sheep, and likewise led out the water from the fountain, for a garden. The next day was Sabbath, which we spent profitably. I have with me no less than 29 members from our Church at Bethelsdorp. There is much life among us; it is sometimes a little heaven on earth. Our brother Kruisman is very zealous; he indeed may be said to be full of the Spirit; his discourses are very weighty: like brother Cupido, he sees no danger.

I have four others, who take regular turns with me in the worship, and who I hope will become assistant Missionaries.

I intend to look out more minutely, about four days from this, for a station for part of the Coranna nations lying very numerous there; and this would complete the chain to the colony through this wild country, and very much facilitate the journeys to the remote stations.

On the Monday evening I began to be very uneasy that we met with, no Bushmen, and this led me to earnest prayer that evening and next morning; and I afterwards found, that most of the Brethren and Sisters had been similarly impressed. I brought with me two interpreters from Grace Hill, one to remain, the other to return: the last is a Hottentot, who formerly resided at Tulbach. About a year ago he came under the sound of the Gospel by brother Smith, when I trust it was the power of God to his salvation. He is an intelligent man; his whole heart is in the cause, and I trust he will be a great blessing to that nation. The other is a Bushman about 14 years old; 2 years ago he was among the wild Bushmen, and, having no parents, was given to a farmer for sheep (a practice, very common behind Sneeuwberg, and of which I intend to give information to government.)

On the Tuesday our interpreter Cupido rode away in quest of Ꭱ

258

Letter from Mr. Read in Africa.

Bushmen, and towards noon a man with his wife and child arrived; the man's name is Kogelman, a very well behaved man.

Kogelman was much rejoiced at the sight of brother Corner, whom he had seen twice before, and said, that the Bushmen would rejoice likewise to hear of his arrival among them, as they had been waiting with anxiety for it.

The next day Kogelman went to fetch the Captain and his subjects, and towards noon they arrived, 6 households; the Captain's name is Slinger, about 40 years old, has a wife and 5 children ; his countenance and behaviour discover discernment superior to many of the nation; his people seem obedient, which is not the case at Grace Hill. He was remarkably pleased with a piece of tobacco, the length of my forefinger; and seemed abundantly paid for the ground we had taken possession of, which in the colony would be worth at least 4000 rix dollars.

They began constantly to attend the means of grace,' morning and evening, and the Captain's mind seems much impressed. He says, he never thought so much before. He exclaimed, the other evening, before all his people, Now I believe there is a God.How should I have hands to take, eyes to see, ears to hear, mouth to eat, feet to walk, &c. if there was not a God? We must pray to him of whom we hear, that he may teach us more. I cannot explain what I feel in my heart. I never had such a heart before.All the Bushmen must come to hear this great word. I must have a house built, and my children must be taught,' &c.

They were surprised to hear of the sea, not knowing that there was a larger body of water than that in the Cradock River-were astonished to hear that houses could be built, to sail over such a water; and still more, that people, on the other side of that water loved them so as to send the word of God to them, and ploughs, spades, &c. &c. to cultivate their ground, so that they would not need to dig roots, and depend on poisoned arrows for animal food, as the brethren would get their game shot for them with their guns.

To behold the wretchedness of this people, and the fertility of their country, one would think that any person coming to teach the art of agriculture, would gain the esteem of the whole civilized world, independently of seeking their souls' eternal welfare.

We have nearly finished a house 36 feet long, (3 rooms) 15 wide, and the sides 6 feet high; completed 2 channels for the water, and ploughed a large piece of ground. Our people from Bethelsdorp are very happy in having this opportunity of manifesting their thankfulness for the Gospel sent to them, and they are zealous to go forward.

The Bushmen have fixed themselves near brother Corner.They have sticks of a semicircular form; these are planted in a circle about 16 feet diameter; behind these sticks are fixed mats 3 feet high, pretty well made; inside of the enclosure, under the sticks, is made a round hole, for each family, about 23 feet wide, and 3 or 4 inches deep; in this hole, the husband, wife, and perhaps 2 or 3 children, sleep, rolled up almost like hedge-hogs, with only the head lying on the side of the hole. Their skins would

Mr. May's Schools at Chinsurah.

259

be a light brown, if they were not so smeared with fat. The black earth afterwards coming upon them makes them look as if daubed with soot. I gave the captain's wife one of the lookingglasses which the Directors sent for the new Missions. They were pleased above measure, but seemed more inclined to use it as an ornament, than to behold their faces in it.

There is no wood in this part of the country; in fact, little or none to the north of Caffre land, but the thorn and willow; and with this little can be effected. The last can be used for building, the first for ploughs, and other rough work. The days are becoming intensely hot. We expect to be 7 or 8 days on our way to Gricqua Town.

My mind is set upon Latakkoo, but I find I must not hasten. If the Lord should permit me to date a letter to you from that place, I shall almost be as old Simeon. I am unworthy to be employed in such a great work, and to see such great things; and daily experience teaches, that nothing is to be ascribed to me, but to the goodness, power, &c. of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It would be interesting to our friends in England to see our people recommending Christ to the Bushmen*. They tell them to look at their hair; that although they now wear clothes, can read and understand the Bible, they are of the same people; and before the Missionaries came to them, were as ignorant, and in as bad a state as they now are. Such language generally seems to have a good effect. I now beg to recommend myself, and little travelling congregations to the prayers of the Directors, and Society at large.

INDIA.

(Signed)

J. READ.

By letters received from Mr. May, of Chinsurah, we learn that Mr. Townley and Mr. Keith arrived at Calcutta on the 7th of Sept. 1816. Mr. May mentions Mr. Townley's preaching for him at Chinsurah; but, by some unaccountable failure, the Directors have not yet received a letter from Mr. Townley himself.

We are happy to find that Mr. May's schools prosper exceedingly. He has transmitted copies of his Quarterly Reports, made to the officers of Government in India, on the state of the schools. By a late Report it appears that he had the superintendance of 30 schools, containing 2662 children.

Mr. May is greatly delighted with the arrival of Mr. Townley and Mr. Keith: they will preach, for a time, in Mr. Townley's house. He is already become, we are informed, very popular in Calcutta.

MADAGASCAR.

Two sons of a King in the island of Madagascar have been received in the Mauritius, for the purpose of obtaining education.-This event may contribute essentially to the safety of European merchants settling or trading there, and to the advancement of civilization in that vast and fertile island. We hope that, ere long, missionaries will also be established there. The missionary Society intend to send two as soon as possible.

From Bethelsdorp.

260

Extracts from the Constitution of the

DOMESTIC.

Extracts from the Constitution of the Baptist Missionary Convention, as amended and passed 12th May, 1817.

We, the delegates from Missionary Societies, and other religious bodies of the Baptist denomination, in various parts of the United States, met in convention, in the city of Philadelphia, for the purpose of carrying into effect the benevolent intentions of our constituents, by organizing a plan for eliciting, combining and directing the energies of the whole denomination, in one sacred effort, for sending the glad tidings of Salvation to the Heathen, and to nations destitute of pure Gospel light, DO AGREE to the following rules, or fundamental principles, viz.

I. That this body shall be styled "The General Missionary Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United States of America, for Foreign Missions."

II. That a triennial Convention shall hereafter be held, consisting of the delegates, not exceeding two in number, from each of the several Missionary societies, and other religious bodies of the Baptist denomination,* now existing, or which may herafter be formed in the United States, and which shall each regularly contribute to the General Missionary Fund a sum amounting, at least, to one hundred dollars per annum.

III. That for the necessary transaction and dispatch of business, during the recess of the said Convention, there shall be a Board of thirty-one Commissioners, who shall be members of the said societies, churches, or other religious bodies aforesaid, triennially appointed by the said Convention, by ballot, to be called "The Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, for the United States." That the said Board shall hold an annual meeting, the quorum at which shall consist of eleven, but at all other meetings of the Board five shall be the quorum for the transaction of business; and which Board shall continue in office until successors be duly appointed, and shall have power to make and adopt by-laws for the government of the said Board, and for the furtherance of the general objects of the Institution.

IV. That it shall be the duty of this Board to employ missionaries, and, if necessary, take measures for the improvement of their qualifications; to fix on the field of their labours; on the compensation to be allowed them for their services; to superintend their conduct, and to dismiss them should their services be disapproved; to publish accounts, from time to time, of the Board's transactions, and an annual Address to the public; to call a special meeting of the Convention on any extraordinary occasion; and, in general, conduct the executive part of the missionary

concern,

V. That such persons, only, as are in full communion with some regular church of our denomination, and who furnish satis

The present number in the United States is 181, of which 110 are female societies.

Baptist Missionary Convention.

261

factory evidence of genuine piety, good talents, and fervent zeal for the Redeemer's cause, are to be employed as missionaries.

XII. That the said Convention shall have power, and in the interval of their meetings, the Board of Commissioners, on the recommendation of any one of the constituent bodies belonging to the Convention, shall also have power to elect honorary members of piety, and distinguished liberality, who, on their election, shall be entitled to a seat, and take part in the deliberations of the Convention but it shall be understood that the right of voting shall be confined to the delegates.

XIII. That the Board shall have power, at their discretion, to appropriate a portion of their funds to domestic missionary purposes, in such parts of this country where the seed of the Word may be advantageously cast, and which mission societies, on a small scale, do not effectively reach.

XIV. That when competent and distinct funds shall have been received for the purpose, the Board, from these, without resorting at all to the mission funds, shall proceed to institute a Classical and Theological Seminary, for the purpose of aiding pious young men, who, in the judgment of the churches of which they are members, and of the Board, possess gifts and graces suited to the Gospel ministry.

XVI. That in case any of the constituent bodies shall be unable to send representatives to the said Convention, they shall be permitted to vote by proxy, which proxy shall be appointed by writing.

XVII. That any alterations which experience may dictate, from time to time, may be made in these articles, at the regular meeting of the Convention, by two-thirds of the members present.

Extracts from the proceedings of the new Board met, 15th May 1817. Resolved, That pursuant to the recommendation of the Couvention, and the report of the committee on the subject, an Agency be continued.

A letter addressed to the Convention, prepared by Mr. Rice at the instance of several members of that body, on the subject of his missionary views, and the relations between the Board and himself, in which he distinctly solicits the deliberate sense of the body as to his duty relative to going immediately to Burmah and which, after the subject had been weighed, it was judged proper should be referred to the Board, was read. On this communication the Rev. Drs. Furman, Staughton and Baldwin were appointed a committee, who, after due consultation on the subject, reported; which report was accepted: and the Board, upon seriously considering the case, being united and decided in the opinion, that it is not the duty of Mr. Rice, as yet, to depart for the Burman empire,

Resolved, unanimously, That brother Rice be continued agent of the Board in the United States; and that Dr. Staughton, Dr. Furman, and Mr. Mercer, be a committee to confer with him. relative to the direction of his ensuing labours.