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“...iv REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
SOUTH AFRICA,
caer
| BETHELSDORP.
| Dr. Vanper Kempe and his associates continue with un-
| remitting assidluity their benevolent labours at this institution,
| and in several of the native kraals which are within a conve-
Be nient distance to admit of their occasional visits: and the bless-
ing of God accompanies their zealous exertions. From a
summary account both of the external and spiritual state of
that Mission, we select the following extracts :— The exter-
nal state of Bethelsdorp puts on gradually a more promising
appearance: the people become more industrious. The knit-
ting-school flourishes, under the direction of Brother Read's
wife. Formerly we had no corn of our own; but this year
the Lord has shewn that it is in his power literally to change
a desert into fertile ground, by affording, throughout the whole
year, such an abundance of rain, that we have been enabled
to sow wheat and barley sufficient for our provision, which
is almost ripe, and promises...”
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“...qanst $ x * % Se eae
TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. v ag
ductive condition in which the Missionaries found it a few q
years ago! What a rapid advance towards civilization has 4
Christianity produced in so short a space! How greatly has 7
it promoted the comfort of life, and raised the human charae-
ter from the lowest state of degradation to some degree of
social order and intellectual improvement! This will become
more apparent, from the following extract relating to the spi-
ritual state of the Mission :—* As to the state of religion, we :
have so much more reason to praise and glorify the holy
name of God, as spiritual blessings outweigh those of the .
world. The word of life is by no means lifeless among us: |
and although we cannot well estimate the number of those |
who we have reason to believe are favoured with a saving |
knowledge of Christ, on account of their concealing, in great
part, the inward disposition of their hearts; yet, from what we |
hear accidentally from others, we believe...”
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“...: in : ‘ ee
TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Vil |
to Lord Caledon on this subject, which appears to us to have
so direct and auspicious an aspect on the interests of this ;
Missionary Society, as to be fully entitled to encouragement :
and support both from this Institution and the religious public.
The design which Dr. Vander Kemp expressed of attempt- !
ing a Mission in the island of Madagascar, or among the |
nation of the Tambookees, and which he still entertains, has
not, however, been put in execution, Lord Caledon not having 7
yet given his answer to the representation which has been
submitted to him on this subject. In the anticipation, how-
ever, of this event, the Directors have replenished that station
by the accession of two Missionaries, (Mr. Wimmer and Mr.
Pacalt,) whose conduct whilst on board the ship in which
they proceeded, and also since their arrival at Cape Town,
has afforded the Directors peculiar satisfaction, and justifies
the expectation and hope of their future...”
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“...of
Christianity and of civilization in this distant and almost
unknown region. The Directors are obliged, by the necessary
limits of a Report, to omit a yaricty of interesting occurrences
contained in their journals; but they may be found in the
XXIst Number of the Missionary Transactions, lately pub-
lished. (See also Appendix, No. [.)
LITTLE NAMAQUA LAND.
Me. J. SypenraveNn has the charge of this Missionary
station. He was originally associated with the Brethren Al-
brecht in the preeeding Mission, and superintended a branch
of it which was situated at a distance from Klaar Water,
about two days’ journey; but, in consequence of the ditheulty
of procuring subsistence for himself and his numerous fol-
lowers, for want of meadows and water, and after suffering
many...”
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“...TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. xiii
OTAHEIT E. 4
ee
Tu£ most important intelligence received daring the past
year, respecting the Mission in Otaheite, is from a letter dated
Noy. 12, 1808, at Huaheine, an island about 16 leagues
distant from it, to which the greater part of the Missionaries 3
thought it necessary to retire, in consequence of a civil war
which had just broken out between Pomare, the king of Ota- |
heite, and a party of his subjects who wished to dispossess |
him of his authority. The letter (see Appendix, No. IL.) which |
communicates this information is very short, being written in
haste, immediately after the arrival of the Brethren at Hua- 2
heine, and when the Perseverance, the vessel which conveyed |
them to that island, was on the point of departure. The
danger, however, does not appear to have been very immie
nent, as four of the single Brethren were left, no doubt with
their own consent, at Otaheite; these, however, the letter
states, were expected shortly to follow...”
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“...for atime in the colony under the care and direction of the
Rey, Mr. Marsden; the active and zealous chaplain of the
settlement. The single Brethren at Otaheite, who have ex-
pressed an earnest wish to enter into the married state, (a mea-
sure which appeared to them and to the Directors expedient,
not only for their own comfort, but for the perpetuity of
‘the Mission,) will have an opportunity of visiting them at
Pert Jackson, and of uniting themselves with pious partners,
whose assistance and example at Otaheite, or any other island
where they may settle, will, it is hoped, contribute to the
stability and prosperity of the Mission.
They are also accompanied by Tapioe, a native of Otaheite,
who, having a strong desire to visit this country, arrived here
about three years ago, after a long succession of dangers and
disappointments. By the assistance of this Society, and other
gentlemen who felt interested in bis welfare, le has received
considerable instruction, with a view to his being...”
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“...year, been’
so much afflicted by sickness, that his public labours were for
a considerable time interrupted. During this interval, our
respected friend, Mr. Vos, had supplied his place with much
aceeptance; and, at the dates of Mr. Loveless’s last letters, in
October, he was perfectly restored, and had resumed all his
engagements. While attentive to the duties of the important
stations he occupies, as a preacher, and as master of the asy-_ ‘
lun, he laments that the commencement of the Surat Mission,
for which he was originally destined, should have been so long
delayed, through the circumstances which were fully detailed
in our last Report; and he still recommends and encourages
its being commenced by suitable Missionaries. :
He was much cheered at the prospect of soon seeing the
Brethren from the Cape of Good Hope, and assures us that
on their arrival at Madras they would ‘all be cordially re-
ceived; and that there was no obstruction to the two Brethren
proceeding to the Birman Empire...”
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“...TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. xix a
gospel, by which they had been brought out of darkness into 4
marvellous light. (See Appendix, No. III.) a
Suitable steps had been taken to facilitate the journey of
the Brethren Gordon and Lee from Bengal to Vizagapatam, Ao
which we trust has been accomplished; and that this impor-
tant Mission, reinforced by these long-expected Brethren, is
now proceeding successfully, under the fostering care of the
great Head of the church.
Our last letters from Mr. Des Granges are dated in August
and September, 1809. He continues to. exhibit the power .
and influence of the love of Christ on his heart, and appears :
to be animated by a true Missionary spirit.
Just as he was concluding these communications, he had
learnt, to his great joy, of the arrival of his friends Gordon
and Lee, with their families, in Bengal. Extracts from his
correspondence will convey an idea of his situation and exer- _
tions. (See Appendix, No. IV.)
In CEYLON,
The Missionary Brethren, Palm...”
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“...upright-
ness and benevolence.
The recent political disputes between the Chinese and our
‘ countrymen had occasionally interrupted his studies, and
constrained him, with all the Europeans and Americans, re-
peaiedly to remove from Canton to Macao, where he centi-
nued at the date of the last letters.
. His talents, and assiduity in acquiring the language, have
already opeved to him a prospect of such support, as will,
in future, lessen the great but unavoidable expenses of this
important Mission, and probably secure to him a permanent
residence. He had providentially met with a respectable and
pious English family at Macao, (Mr. Morton’s,) who brought
letters from Mr. Loveless; and shortly afterwards, he entered
into the conjugal relation with Miss M., whose brother, an
interesting youth, received his first serious impressions from
the conversation of our Missionary Read at Ceylon. He had
afterwards been greatly assisted, when at Madras, by Mr.
Loveless, and by reading the works of Alleine...”
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“...XXVill REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
sum: they have grounds for believing, however, that by
} obtaining the countenance and support of persons of jn-
‘uence in the island, access will be the more readily procured
to the negro slaves, who are very numerous, and for whose
spiritual instruction they have strongly recommended Mr.
| Adam by all means to use his utmost endeavours, considering
| all other objects as of inferior importance.
|
| In Tobago, Mr. Elliot continues to preach to the slaves, per-
| mission being kindly granted by the owners of several estates, on
| some of which he colleets about 40, on others 80 or 100 hearers.
| He does not speak in very sanguine terms of his success iu
the conversion of the negroes; yet there is reason to hope that
: his Jabours are not in vain. On one occasion, he says, “ It
was delightful to see with what eagerness these poor creatures
heard the word of God; and more so, to find that some of
them understand what they hear, and practise what they
know.’ At...”
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“...persons, who appear to be concerned for their souls; and I ao
rejoice to say that, instead of meeting with persecution, Mrs. A
Elliot and myself are treated with the greatest respect by the
first persons, as well as by the poor, in the island. It has even
been proposed to the council and assembly of Tobago, that a
salary should be allowed ine by the colony; and although my
friends have failed in their kind efforts for this purpose, yet
perhaps their wishes may eventually be accomplished.”
aaa
MISSION TO THE JEIS.
Tue Directors stated, in their last Report, that not conceiv-
ing themselves to be discharged from their duty by the with-
drawment of their principal agent, they designed to persevere
in their efforts with increased assiduity. They have therefore
continued the lectures to the Jewish people who were disposed
to attend at the chapel in Artillery-street. Their attention,
however, to the lectures on the Lord’s-day was so discouraging,
that the Directors have lately been induced wholly...”
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“...hereafter. How- |
ever, it would be desirable for us to live at a place where each father
of a family of our scholars might have as mueh corn-field and garden
as each of them should want; but the experienee of three years has
taught us, that the greater part of them will not leave the country in
which they are born and grown up, and because they can subsist by
their cattle, which, however simple, is an honest subsistence: there+
fore our scholars have found it more expedient to establish our Mission
here, and to remain in their own country, to hear the word of God,
and to trust unto the Lord, who has shewed us for more than two
years that he would take care for us as a father ; and to give us at
his time the needful rain, so that the grass should shoot out to give
fodder for our beasts. Nevertheless, we must confess that all our
scholars cannot remain with us; but that they are obliged, for the
care of their cattle, to live elsewhere, near waters and grass-fields.
These then come sometimes...”
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“...arrived here yesterday, and are just now getting out things on
shore, and the vessel is ready to sail. We hope soon to find an op- |
portunity to relate minutely the circumstances which led to our ré-
moval to this island. Four single Brethren, viz. Hayward, Scott,
Nott, and Wilson, are stili at Taheite ; but may soon, probably, join
us bere. ,
The chiefs of thisisland received us kindly. Should we meet with
encouragement, and some more Missionaries come to join us, we
may, perhaps, attempt a Mission at Ulitea, under the protection of
‘Tapoa.
Praying that the Lord may over-rule this unexpected event, and to
us painful dispensation, for the further good of the Missionary cause,
weyemain, &c.
Joun Daviks; —
For the Society of Missionaries.
| ae ALIASES CEEOL nd *
No. Ill.—An Account of the Conversion of a Bramin, com-
municated by Messrs. Cran and Des Granges, at Vizage-
patam,
A Mabrattean, or Bandida Bramin, about 30 years of age, was an 7
accountant in a regiment of Tippoo’s troops;...”
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“...He declined complaining of it, and bore it
atiently.” :
’ We trust that this man will prove.a valuable acquisition, and afford:
important assistance to the Brethren Cran and Des Granges, in their.
translation of the New Testament into the Telinga language, in which.
they are employed,
a
From Mr. Des Granges’ journal we find that he has derived much
assistance from Anandarayer, the converted Bramin. He joined the
Mission on the 28th of May, 1808. ‘‘ This evening,’’ says the jour-
nal, ‘‘ Anandarayer, his wife, and another native Christian, sat down
to supper with the Mission family. Before supper, he offered up a
thanksgiving to God, and prayed very fervently that the distinction of
caste might be universally abolished, and that all the Heathen might
be brought with one heart to glorify God.”
a
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Des Granges, dated Vizagapatam,
April 17, 1809.
1 received your letter of the 31st of August, 1808, shortly after
the death of my beloved brother and zealous fell...”
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“...of the Mission, the distri-
bution of tracts in the native language is of the last importance. I
have several drawn out, calculated to attract the attention of the
natives, and to impress upon their minds the necessity and excellence
of the doctrines and precepts of the Bible, Hitherto I have had as
many manuscript copies written as I possibly could, and have given
them away to the natives. But this is very tedious, and is attended
with great expense; I have therefore written to Madras, in order to
ascertain whether it is not possible to have a few hundred copies of
each tract printed.
«« My time is now so fully occupied, that I must again request you
to excuse me for not sending a regular journal. I must omit the
performance of this important duty, and pleasing exercise, until the
arrival of the long-expected Brethren: I hope then to make up the
deficiency. ;
“1 long for the arrival of the Brethren, in order that I may give you
a correct statement of the affairs of the Mission, of the...”
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“...oe ESS Rae ee ee oe Tee
LIST OF DISBURSEMENTS,
From June 15t, 1800, to Apri/ 1st, 1810.
— i ————a>
&. £e@
By Expenditure on account of the Mission in Otaheite . = 682 0.7
By ditto on account of the Missions in South Africa - - ~ $9412 ¢
By ditto on account of the Mission in the East Indies and Ceylon 1531 3 8
By ditto on account of the Birman Mission - - - - 8515.18
By ditto on account of the Mission in the West Indies + - 714 O 7
By ditto on account of the Mission in China + = - - 712 10: <8
By ditto on account of the Mission at Chaleur Bay - . - 60 0 0
By ditto on account of the Mission to Malta = - - - - 50 0 0
By ditto on account of the Jewish Mission . - - - $37 2 8
By ditto on account of the Missionary Seminary at Gosport ~~ GIA 4p
By draft of Messrs. Patterson and Henderson - - = — = 50 9 0
By Messrs. Williams and Smith, Booksellers — - - - - 80 0 0
By sundry Disbursements on account of the Society, per Rev.
Mr. Burder, as per accounts delivered - - - - 3611 @
By ditto on account...”
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“...ofaccts. 24 7 9 5,579 10 9
———— 4,048 5 8 | Balance due to the Society ee 26 14 11
To produce of five East India bonds given by a Lady, a :
friend of Dr. Haweis, on behalf of the Otaheitean Mission 537 0 6 -
To one year’s interest on 16400l. three per oe x
ceyt consuls ~ = < == = = 468 16 0 ae
To ditto on 37001. five per cent navy - 166 10 QO fee
To ditto on 50l. imperial annuities = - - 419 9 : t 4
To half year’s ditto on 55001. four per cents 99 O 0 - s
——_-—— * 709 16 0 é ms : pee
To a Bill drawn by Dr. Vander Kemp, dated Oct. 3, 1807, fe
included in the accounts of the Society for last year, ; a
which bas not yet appeared - - - - - 200.0 0 uw Soe
To received of the Edinburgh Missionary Society, being so : ee : a
much advanced by Mr. Ledeboer, of Rotterdam, on ie as
account of the Karass Mission, and for which he is to ieee
draw upon the Treasurer - - - - ae «AO AG oe Pe
To lnterest on 1001. three per cent reduced, due upon the : oS
Legacy of Mr. Atkins, late of Blackheath 4 17. 0 s...”
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“...- - - To 39 .
Eastman, Mr. Portsea = - - - - ss. 9
Egginton, Mr. E. Hull - - - i ye
Evans, Rev. Mr. and Congregation, Ford, near Kingbridge 9 0 0
Evans, Rey. R. and ditto, Appledofe - - i0 6 oO
Fenton, Mr. Reading - * - . 1 PD
Flemying, Capt. Shrewsbury - - - 5 86 OC
Fletcher, Mr. J. Southampton - - - 3 3 0
Ford, Mrs. Bath, per Rev. Dr. Haweis - - 290
Fox, Mr. Lewisham s - - ~ 220
Freer, Rev. Mr. and Congregation, Uxbridge - L430
Fryer, Mr. Gosport ~ - : - fo 26 :
Friend to the South African Mission, per Rey. R. Alliott rae
kk...”
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“...*
SERMON IL
senemenmsintne je
THE LIGHT OF THE GENTILES,
I LPT
Luxe 2. 82.
A light to lighten the Gentiles. —
THE grand question to be determined is—whether Mission-
ary exertions ought to be considered as the offspring of folly
and enthusiasm? or, whether they originate in the purest prin-
ciples of human nature; and are sanctioned in the .objects
which they propose, in the means which they employ, and in
the expectations which they awaken, by the unsophisticated
spirit of Christianity? It is obvious that to one or the other of
these causes they must be traced: it is certain that the opi- ;
nions of men have been divided upon this subject; and it is .
our duty not merely ourselves to be satisfied with the motives
by which we are actuated, and with the authority upon which
we proceed, but also to avow and to maintain them in the
eyes of the world. If the warm and benevolent feelings of
our heart have betrayed us to the display of a zeal not accord-
ing to knowledge, we deserve at least...”
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“...mind
of the prophets, and which time and providence are hastening
to realize. Such a prospect is consonant with the genius of
Christianity, which is not a system restricted in its operation:
for it is equally adapted to every country, and to every age.
But it is of importance to observe, that while revelation sanc-
tious, it also commands Missionary exertions. “ Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” —was the
commission of the Saviour to his apostles. This was a com-
mission, which, with all their trancendent abilities, and all
their miraculous endowments, they did not, and in the na-
ture of things could not, accomplish. This consideration
proves that the injunction reached beyond them to us. We
have succeeded to their office, and we ought to enter into their
labours. Every law must remain in force till it is repealed.
When, and where, did Jesus repeal this primitive commis-
sion? And ifit be not repealed, on what ground dare we to
neglect it? It is our duty implicitly...”
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