church; two have asked for baptism, and one of the remaining four is a very hopeful inquirer.

They attend worship in Burman every morning and evening, and the female prayer-meeting Wednesday forenoon. As to village schools, we have no doubt they could be established with ease throughout the province, if some person acquainted with the language and manners and character of the Tavoyans, could devote all his time to the object. We have had two applications from villages a few miles distant, and have established one school with 12 scholars. Upwards of 10 children in another village are waiting, ready to enter as soon as the school-house is finished. The teachers are to bring their scholars to town once a month for examination, and we shall now and then look in upon them, when they least expect it. But we cannot enlarge our operations in this department, till we have more help from home."

In July, she says "The boys of the boarding school are now under the care of a native master, aud Mr. Mason examines them twice a day, and has worship with them morning and evening.

The girls' boarding school is taught by one of the Chinese Christians, and Mrs. Mason examines them in their lessons, and teaches them needle-work. The superintendence of the clothing and food of both boarding schools and the care of five day schools under native teachers, devolves upon me.

We have also four small day schools in the Karen jungle, entirely under the management of their native teachers, who are Christians. The day schools are growing, every week, more and more interesting. We cannot, it is true, expect to see such progress, especially in religious knowledge, as is witnessed in the boarders who are the children of Christian parents, and are entirely under our influence; but as most of the day scholars have now been more or less under our care nearly two years, they have acquired considerable knowledge of Christianity, and are growing up with comparatively correct ideas. They, with their teachers, attend worship regularly on Lord's day. The day schools are entirely supported at present by the Honorable Company's allowance.

MERGUI.

In October, 1832, Mr. and Mrs. Wade, by the advice of the brethren, made a visit to Mergui, and tarried a little more than five months. On arriving, he found the inhabitants were numerous, and made up of Burmans, Chinese, Portuguese, Mussulmans, &c. He was received by Mr. Maingy, the civil commissioner, with kindness, and a place of residence was assigned him; but on commencing his labors, he found few at first who were disposed to hear his message, or receive his books. He took a zayat, which he occupied a part of each day, and received those who called for conversation. He had the satisfaction to perceive an increasing attention on the part of the people, from week to week, and a growing desire for books, till, on some occasions, he gave away from thirty to one hundred and fifty a day. A spirit of inquiry was also awakened, which resulted in the hopeful conversion of several individuals. Early in his visit, he was found by certain Karens from the neighboring jungle, and earnestly solicited to go to them; and having obtained the assistance of Ko Ing, a native preacher from Tavoy, and Ko Manpoke from Maulmein, he readily consented. He was received by them with all readiness, as other brethren have been in other villages of that interesting people. During his stay of two weeks, multitudes of them heard the gospel, and lasting impressions appeared to be produced on the minds of the principal chief and of some of his adherents. Before leaving Mergui in March, Mr. Wade deemed it his duty to regard the request of several applicants for baptism; and on mature examination, five were admitted. After the administration of the sacred ordinance, the new

converts, and such other native disciples as determined to remain, were embodied as a church of Christ, and Ko Ing appointed to be their pastor.

The efforts of Mrs. Wade during the time, in school teaching, will be reported most satisfactorily in her own language. She says, "When we went to Mergui, not expecting to remain in the place many months, it was not thought expedient to incur the expense of building a school-house; but I found twelve or fourteen girls and women, who were willing to learn to read with the assistance of a father or brother at home, and come to me for recitation and religious instruction nearly every day. Two of this number learned to read, and committed the catechism and short prayers; another had just begun to read; four others, who had before learned to read, made good proficiency in committing select portions of scripture, prayers, &c., (three of this number were from sister Boardman's school at Tavoy,) and three others had nearly finished the elementary lessons. These ten promise to continue their studies, though we are removed from them. This is all I was able to do in the way of schools, during our stay at Mergui. We are encouraged, however, in reflecting that the last great day may show that even this feeble effort was not entirely in vain; for the first woman, soon after beginning to learn, began to appear serious, attended family worship and daily instructions, and was the first baptized. A young girl also, (the daughter of Ko Ing's wife,) began to appear serious, not long after she began her lessons, and asked for baptism before we left; but we all thought it proper for her to wait for a time. Another woman, from a governor's family, was so vain and haughty, that she would never come into our house, until she took a fancy to learn to read. She then came often to us, and learned fast; but treated the subject of religion with entire neglect, for some time. We continued, however, to instruct, admonish and pray for her, until we had the happiness of seeing her begin to relent; and not long after, she came in at the time of evening worship, and, with the disciples, bowed down and worshipped him, who is meek and lowly.' She assured me, the next day, that she felt constrained to do this by the fullest convictions of the truth of the Christian religion, and of her state, as a poor, lost sinner. Some time after this, without my influence or knowledge, she took a small present, and went to several of her neighbors, confessing how foolish she had been when her pride would not permit her to speak to them, telling them that she was now resolved to be in all things a disciple of Christ, the Saviour of sinners. She continued to give very pleasing evidence of real piety until we left Mergui; but her baptism was deferred on account of a marriage contract, which could not then be settled according to gospel rules: though nothing was wanting on her part, and she earnestly desired to become a member of the little church."

SIAM.-MISSION TO BANKok.

The proximity of Siam to Burmah rendered it, as a missionary field, an early subject of consideration by the Board. The languages (Burman and Taling,) which are common in one, are spoken by a large proportion of the inhabitants of the other; and seemed to impose it as a duty that, in our calculations, both should be taken into view. This has accordingly been done; and the correspondence maintained with the brethren has constantly embraced it. They have been equally desirous with the Board to occupy the ground; but their number was so small, and the wants of the multitude directly about them so urgent, that no one could be spared for the purpose. The addition, however recently made to their strength, and the rapid prospective increase, induced them to revive the subject afresh, and after deliberate and prayerful consideration, Mr. John T. Jones, in a note to his associates, expressed his willingness to engage in the enterprize, provided they approved of it,-to which they returned the following reply:

Dear Brother,

Maulmein, July 17, 1832.

After taking into serious consideration the subject proposed in your note of this morning, we think that the importance of a mission to Siam, the desire which the Board of missions have frequently expressed on that subject the field being now unoccupied, your particular adaptedness to occupy it, and the preference which you have sometimes felt for the undertaking; all conspire to justify us in advising you to commence a mission to that country, as soon as circumstances will admit. (Signed) A. Judson, J.Wade, E. Kincaid, C. Bennett, O. T. Cutter.

Mr. Mason, of Tavoy, also concurred in the same recommendation. Mr. Jones, who had for months been adding to his knowledge of the Burman an acquaintance with the Taling language, now engaged a Siamese teacher, but lost no time in making the necessary preparations for his change of residence. He was not able to engage a passage for himself and family till the 15th of August, after which the vessel experienced unavoidable detention. At the date of his last letter, all was in readiness, and he expected to embark for Penang and Singapore on the 25th of September.

The importance of this measure eannot easily be estimated. A wide door of usefulness is opened by it, and new responsibilities are assumed, which will require the utmost diligence and activity on our part to fulfil.

EUROPE.-MISSION TO FRANCE.

The General Convention, at their last meeting, took into consideration the circumstances of France, and strongly recommended that country to the attention of the Board. Its particular situation and wants were known to some extent, but not so minutely as to make it certain what measures might be adopted with the best promise of success. An agent has therefore been employed to go out and explore parts at least of the country, on whose report future operations might depend. Professor Chase, of the Newton Theological Institution, whose health required a temporary absence from the seminary, was invited to engage in this service, and consented.

The Board also appointed the Rev. J. C. Rostan to accompany him, a gentleman in some respects eminently qualified for immediate missionary work. He is a native of France; and, from a long residence in the metropolis, is intimately acquainted with the character and institutions of the nation. He is moreover, with his entire family, devotedly pious, and engaged to promote the salvation of his countrymen. They embarked at New York, the 20th of October, for Havre, where they arrived in safety after a boisterous voyage. A letter has been received from Mr. Chase, dated Paris, January 24, in which he says, "It is now two months, since we arrived in France, and it is about a month since we began to preach in a convenient chapel. Just as we were commencing, a Mr. Cloux, a native of Switzerland, arrived here from London, on his way to the eastern part of France, as a missionary from the Baptist Continental society in England; but with instructions to consult us before deciding fully on the field of his labors. Mr. Cloux speaks French, German and English, and there are more than thirty thousand Germans residing in this city. On various accounts, it is desirable that he remain here some months, to which his society has consented."-Messrs. Rostan and Cloux will continue in Paris, and Mr. Chase will visit other parts of the kingdom.

AFRICA. LIBERIA.

No missionaries have been sent to Liberia the past year. A correspondence has been renewed with brethren at the south, for the purpose of ascertaining whether any young men of piety and promise are known to them, whom the Board might take under its patronage to educate for this station.

No other measure has suggested itself so likely to succeed as this, and the inquiry is now going on.

This station was commenced in 1828. Missionaries, Rev. ABEL BINGHAM and wife, Rev. MOSES MERRILL and wife, Mr. JOTHAM MEEKER and wife, Mr. JAMES D. CAMERON, Mr. TANNER, interpreter, and Mrs. TANNER, Miss ELEANOR MACOMBER, Miss MARY RICE, and Miss CYNTHIA BROWN.

This station is important in several points of view. It is the seat of Indian agency for the Ojibeways, who extend nearly one thousand miles into the interior, and who, for various purposes, often visit the place. It may be considered the inlet to that immense territory, furnishing the best and most direct means of intercourse with its sparse though wide-spread population. A section of the United States' army, and a considerable number of French and American traders, are located here. Adjoining the village and cantonment, stand the missionary premises, consisting of two houses and the necessary outbuildings, which are just sufficient for the missionary family, a hall of worship and the boarding-school. The latter has existed under favorable auspices from the beginning. It commenced with about sixty scholars; and though it has been subject to successive changes, it retains nearly that number now. The boarders are purely Indian, when such are to be had; but the day-school is open to the half breeds, from the village and vicinity, who are in some cases admitted into the family. Instruction in this department, the past fall and winter, has been abundant; Mr. and Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Meeker and Miss Macomber have devoted to its several branches such parts of every day, as health and the personal acquisition of the Ojibeway language would allow. The infant school system has been introduced with high approbation and promise of success.

The concentration of so many missionaries at this point within the last season was a temporary measure, and not intended for the objects of the station. Facilities existed here for the acquisition of the Indian language greater than could be found elsewhere; and it was moreover in contemplation by the Board, to extend their labors up the borders of lake Superior. But circumstances, which they deemed important, have occurred to suspend their purpose, and induced them to give another direction to two or three of the families. A sufficient number will remain to meet the exigencies of the station, and to do what is practicable by the distribution of the sacred scriptures, or other books, which may be published in the language of the country.

The state of religion during the year has been of a most interesting character. At the commencement of 1832, a series of meetings was held, in which the Presbyterian missionaries participated, and which was followed by unusual seriousness, and a spirit of inquiry that soon extended through the place. Mr. Bingham and his associates were delightfully employed in the village among the Indians, and at the Fort, in directing the anxious to the Lamb of God. In May, a series of meetings was held, with special reference to the natives, which contributed to give a fresh impulse to the work; and in December, a similar series was repeated. Besides these, and the ordinary services at the mission house, worship has been conducted at Sugar Island, and among the Indians in the vicinity of Mr. Meeker's residence. The converts who united with the Baptist church amount to nearly forty, of whom nine are natives, two children of the boarding-school, and eighteen soldiers. The church, including the missionaries, now consists of 50 members,-shewing an increase, since the last Report, of 38. There is much in the character of certain individuals, the fruit of this revival, that is calculated to fill us with animating hope. They are persons, who, either from their intelligence, or the situation which they occupy, are capable of rendering important ser

vice to the mission. Such is Dr. Edwin James, surgeon of the army-Mr. James D. Cameron, Episcopal missionary, Mr. Tanner, late interpreter to government, and Segud, Indian chief. The latter is capable of exerting the best influence among his countrymen; and, being devoutly attached to the interests of religion, is disposed to do it. Mr. Tanner entered immediately into the employment of the Board, and became interpreter to the station, for which his intimate acquaintance with the Indian language eminently qualified him. Mr. Cameron, though engaged in evangelical efforts, does not pretend to have had an experimental knowledge of religion, till he was taught it at this station. He now engages with all his heart in its propagation and defence. He received a classical education at Montreal, and will soon be able to preach in the Indian tongue.

Dr. James experienced a change of heart while a member of college, but had made no profession of his faith in Christ till this time. He had evinced, however, an ardent desire for the welfare of the natives, and succeeded, with the aid of Mr. Tanner, in providing for them an entire version of the New Testament. This he has carefully revised, and is now carrying it through the press at Albany. If we may judge of its accuracy from the opinion formed of it by those who are acquainted with Ojibeway and English, it will be well understood, and prove to that extensive tribe an inestimable blessing. Besides the Testament, Dr. James has prepared a small spellingbook, which has been printed by the Board, and is now in use. Some other elementary works are in a course of preparation, and will be completed

soon.

The temperance cause has been conducted with great prudence at the station, and with triumphant success, being universally sustained both in the garrison and village.

THOMAS.

This station is on Grand River, of Lake Michigan, and is under the superintendence of Mr. LEONARD SLATER, aided by Mrs. SLATER, and Mr. and Mrs. POTTS, school teachers. The efforts for the moral and religious reformation of the Indians at this place, were without avail till the commencement of 1832, when an unusual spirit of prayer animated the missionaries in behalf of all who were committed to their charge. Nor was their patience any longer tried; for no sooner had they begun to ask with an importunity which disregarded all obstacles, than they were answered. Deep thoughtfulness and a spirit of anxious inquiry manifested itself in members of the family and of the village. A young man, hired to labor on the mission premises, was the first to obtain peace in believing, but did not long partake of the blessing alone. The principal chief and certain members of the boarding school soon entered into his joy. In this state things remained, till the latter part of April, when a series of meetings was held at the station, and a still stronger interest in the subject of religion displayed itself among the natives. Such of the converts as had entertained a hope in Christ for several weeks, were examined, and seven admitted to baptism; after which, a church consisting of twelve members, including the missionaries, was constituted and received the fellowship of brethren present. They have continued ever since to maintain their steadfastness and zeal for the truth. The devotions of the Sabbath, and occasional seasons of worship, have been well attended, and the latter enlivened by the addresses of native disciples. The venerable chief, Noon day, and the senior members of the mission school have often poured forth the strong emotions of their hearts in strains of affecting eloquence. No more were admitted to membership till the 9th of November, when six full Indians were examined and baptized. One has since been received, making the present number of the church nineteen.

Measures of temperance sprang up with the spirit of the revival; for however desirous Mr. Slater had been of introducing them, all attempts to do it failed