ry at Smyrna. It was written under the pre- Turkish, Jewish, Spanish, and, for a season, sumption that the supervision of the W. F. M. the Sclavonian alphabet, should be executed in Society had been transferred to the General Smyrna; in Greek, Bulgarian, and WallachiAssembly. And it contains various sugges-an, at Salonica and Bucharest; and in Arabic, tions as to the best mode of commencing missionary operations in the countries bordering on the Mediterr.nean. We make the following brief extracts, embracing the principal subjects which, in the opinion of the writer, require the attention of the Board.

"Permit me, in all Christian freedom and simplicity, to present such statements as seem to me deserving of your attention.

at Alexandria-these being the cities which have the most prominent claims upon you.

2. Missionary Premises at Smyrna.-Different opinions are entertained by different socicties, as to the expediency of holding real estate in the countries under consideration. I give it as my opinion, that the economy of missionary operations, and their efficiency, in several respects, require holding such property either by purchase or long lease. Indeed, so necessary has it become, that when societies themselves do not practice it, individual missiona. ries of every nation and connection resort to it. Convenient buildings for schools, chapels, printing establishments, and often for missionary dwellings, are not to be obtained at any expense of time and money. (This subject is recommended to the attention of wealthy friends of missions.)

1. The history of all efforts, both ancient and modern, for the spread of the gospel would seem to demonstrate the expediency, if not the necessity of central stations, for missionary counsel, in or near every considerable field of labor. Such were Jerusalem, for Palestine; Antioch, for Syria; Ephesus, for Asia Minor; Thessalonica, for Macedonia; and Corinth, for Achaia and Southern Greece. Such are Cape Town, for Southern Africa; Calcutta and Bombay, for Central and Western India. 3. Printing Establishment.-The Western Since my first acquaintance with the Mediter- Foreign Missionary Society have fully recog ranean, I have been much impressed with the nized the importance of an extensive Printing pre-eminent importance for such a station, and Establishment for the Smyrna station. Comhave, accordingly, at different times, urged se- missioned by the Committee, Mr. Brown and veral societies, both English and American, to myself have collected about $90 towards a occupy it for this purpose. Nearly all the printing fund; and, on the strength of the commercial intercourse which our country same commnission, and in view of the necessimaintains with Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, ties of the mission, we have purchased a large is carried, in the first instance, with this port. and small press, book-binders' apparatus, &c. To Smyrna, therefore, missionaries for these to the value, including freight, &c. of about countries, and all supplies and communications $500. Since our arrival, after mature considefor them, should ordinarily be directed. From ration, we are decidedly of opinion that it is Smyrna, too, as a centre, correspondence is best to carry on our work, for the year to most easily and economically carried on with come, on the same terms of copartnership as the remotest parts of these countries. Hence, heretofore, with my Greek printer-he furit will be the most convenient central station nishing half the stock, work, &c. and receiving for printing operations. Being also the resi-half the profits. To meet the $500 now added dence of many thousands of each of the four by us, he will furnish the type for the Wallaprincipal classes of people who need the labor chian and Bulgarian New Testament, accordof missionaries-the Mohammedans, Jews, ing to the following resolution of the British Grocks, and Armenians, enjoying greater free- and Foreign Bible Society; viz. "At a meetdom than in other places. And in point of ex-ing of the Committee of the British and Fo pensiveness of living, being about a medium reign Bible Society, held London, Aug. 3, city, would seem also to present some peculiar 1835, the Right Hon. Lord Bexley President. advantages for the establishment of a seminary for training schoolmasters, catechists, translators, and missionaries. But as these countries Resolved, That the terms proposed by the are wide in extent, under different govern- Rev. Mr. Brewer for printing an edition of the ments, and inhabited by different tribes, speak- Bulgarian New Testament, and also an edition ing at least ten different languages-the Ara- of the Wallachian New Testament, be acceptbic, Turkish, Persian, Jewish, Spanish, Arme-ed, viz. To print of each version 5000 copies nian, Greek, Bulgarian, Wallachian, Albanian, for $4500, he furnishing the requisite Sclavoand Servian-other similar centres, and most- nian types, and the Society paying in advance ly for similar reasons, will be necessary; and one-half of the amount." Salonica may be recommended for European Turkey; Yanina, for Albania; Larissa, for Thessaly; Bucharest, for the Moldavian and Wallachian provinces, &c. &c. Printing in Greek, Greco-Turkish, Armeno-Turkish,

Read a letter from Mr. B. Parker, dated Smyrna, June 16, 1835.

I only add, that we purpose, as formerly, to execute job-work of different kinds, and that, for the moment, beside the Greek partner, Mr. Antonio Damiano, we have only two Greek boys, apprentices with wages, in the office.

4. Mission Library, Philosophical Appara-professors of oriental languages or literature, tus, &c.-On the importance of an extensive already distinguished at home. The intelleccentral mission library, I need not enlarge. tual, moral, and religious wants of the few Wherever missionaries and teachers are train-hundreds of our Protestant community, and ing for service in different languages, and their intimate connection with all the other books and tracts are preparing, numerous classes of people, give them the strongest books of reference will be indispensably neces-claim upon Christians at home. I beseech sary. Some of the more prominent of these should be voyages, travels, histories, referring to the surrounding countries; the Encyclope. dia; scientific and other elementary school books, lexicons, grammars, and standard authors in the more important languages; commentaries on the Scriptures, &c. What amount of money would be necessary to put this department upon a proper footing it is not easy to estimate. Some classes of works, it might be hoped, would be contributed by individuals; but several hundred dollars would be immediately needed for the Encyclopedia, Co-home_parcels, but various articles of English rey's works in Modern Greek, Turkish lexicons, grammars, &c. Perhaps $1000 would suffice at first, and $100 annually afterwards. Philosophical apparatus, &c. for the high schools, would make another demand for perhaps $500, and $50 annually for a few years.

your Board to send them a male and one or two female teachers, to train up their neglected children in the way of the Lord. Scarcely any thing would give your mission more favor in the sight of this influential portion of Society. In case, as there is some reason to anticipate, the London Jews Society should cease to occu py this station, I should earnestly desire an associate to be especially set apart to seek out the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Smyrna being the centre from which the brethren at the other stations would derive not only their

and French manufacture, Scriptures, tracts, &c. there would be urgent need of the services of one brother of judgment, experience, and skill in the secular line of purchasing, packing, &c. &c.

churches. For conducting the female high school, some one of the married female missionaries should be selected; and an additional single lady would be necessary. In connec tion with the printing department, translators should be employed, who might also act as teachers of their respective languages, and of other branches in the high schools."

For our high school we should still need a 5. High and Common Schools. The present classical teacher; and, should the seminary diminished rate ofexpenditure for Greek Female for training missionaries go forward, a theolo Schools requires five or six hundred dollars an-gical professor of approved standing in the nually; Mr. Temple, for the last year or two, being paid the half. Including one or two village stations, it seems important to increase the common school expenditure to $1000 yearly. I would also earnestly recommend that both Female and Male Boarding Schools, of from twelve to twenty native youth each, be opened at the earliest period. The peculiar success which, in Ceylon and wherever practised, has attended this mode of training youth, is the strongest argument in its favor. The annual cost of supporting an individual in these establishments would not be less than $100. In connection with the male department, I would earnestly present my plea in favor of sending fifteen or twenty missionary candidates from America, to be trained in the country whose languages they would have occasion to speak-climate to bear-manners

and customs to understand.

In making the preceding extracts from Mr. Brewer's communication, we have given his leading views, in his own language, omitting details under the several heads, for want of room. The Executive Committee have not yet acted on the propositions which he has submitted for consideration; and we are not prepared to say how far the Society will be able to accomplish the objects proposed.

But

6. Missionaries for Smyrna and its Vicinity. -I am now prepared to speak of the number our intelligent readers will readily perceive of Brethren apparently desirable for your the importance of the Mediterranean as a field Smyrna station. First, for the Mohammedan of missionary labor, and the magnitude of the department, to take the lead in efforts for the work in that region which claims the attention benefit of the Turks-to superintend the pub

lication of books in their language, and per- of the Church of Christ; and surely, individual haps also the Greco and Armeno-Turkish lan-members of that church which he has redeeınguages; and, could the qualifications be united, ed with his blood will be disposed to aid by to teach Biblical literature and superintend

the publication of Jewish books, I could wish their prayers, and by their contributions as it possible, for some one of the few younger the Lord has prospered them.

ACTION OF PRESBYTERIES IN FAVOR OF THE WESTERN FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

We are indebted to our correspondents, to |sions exclusively Presbyterian in its character, the W. Presbyterian Herald, and more espe- it is our duty and policy to foster it; and, therecially to the Presbyterian, for the following in-fore, we earnestly recommend it to all our telligence of the resolutions passed by several churches as the proper Society to receive their Presbyteries in favor of the Western Foreign contributions, and particular countenance." Missionary Society. We notice them with The Presbytery of New York resolved, grateful sentiments, though with much brevity, "That, while this Presbytery rejoice in the from want of room to spread them more fully efforts of other kindred institutions to send the before our readers. There may be other Pres-gospel to the heathen, and have no desire to byteries who have expressed similar views and purposes, of which we have received no information.

The Presbytery of Carlisle, believing it to be the duty of the Church, in her distinctive capacity, to sustain the missionary enterprise, and having entire confidence in the W. F. Missionary Society, cordially recommended that Society to the prayers and patronage of their churches-pledged their personal influence for its aid-declared the Presbytery auxiliary to the Society-and appointed Rev. Messrs. D. M'Kinley, J. Williamson, and C. P. Cummins, as a standing committee, to carry their views into effect.

interfere with the rights and preferences of any, they do cordially recommend the W. F. Missionary Society as worthy the confidence and patronage of their churches."

The Presbytery of Bedford, approving of the ecclesiastical organization of the W. F. Missionary Society, and pleased with the efforts of the Board to extend the sphere of their usefulness, in sending the gospel to pagan nations, and with their recommendation, that Presbyteries obtain and sustain missionaries, resolved, "That this Presbytery will, with the blessing of God, endeavor to obtain one missionary, to be sustained, as far as possible, by funds raised within the bounds of this Presbytery; and that The Presbytery of Louisville affectionately Messrs. Green, Thompson, and Owen, be a and urgently recommended to all their church- committee to carry into effect this resolution." es, to employ spirited and prompt efforts to aid the W. F. Missionary Society in the trying cir-mended the Boards of our church to the liberal The Presbytery of West Lexington recomcumstances into which they have been thrown patronage and support of all the churches unby the much-to-be lamented unfaithfulness of der their care. the supreme Judicatory of our church.

The Presbytery of New Castle resolved, that the efforts and operations of the W. F. Missionary Society be cordially recommended to the churches under their care.

-The Presbytery of New Brunswick resolved to become, and declared themselves to be, auxiliary to the Western Board for Foreign Missions, and recommended said Board to the liberal patronage of the churches in connection with them.

The Presbytery of Northumberland resolved, "That, as we have a Board of Foreign Mis.

The Presbytery of Abingdon resolved to form themselves into a Foreign Missionary Society, auxiliary to the W. F. Missionary Society; and that Rev. Alex. M'Ewen and Rev. D. H. Hoge be a committee of correspondence with said W. F. Missionary Society.

The Presbytery of Harmony resolved, that they "do recommend the W. F. Missionary Society to the patronage of the churches under their care; and invite the Southern Agency, appointed by said Society, to a speedy and ef fectual action within their bounds."

ACTION OF SYNODS IN RELATION TO FOREIGN MISSIONS.

Christian harmony, and of missionary zeal and liberality, was manifested. It is believed, that the resolution to raise 30,000 dollars, to aid the W. F. M. Society in prosecuting their enlarged plans of operation in pagan lands, will be fully carried into effect, and even more will be accomplished.

THE SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA has come up nobly to the work of foreign missions, as will be seen by the following resolutions, a copy of which was transmitted to the Cor. Secretary of the W. F. M. Society, and has been received at the Mission Rooms. They are published in the Chronicle under the impression that they cannot fail to be highly gratifying to all the Whereas the Presbyterian church in these real friends of missions to the degraded and United States is, by her Constitution and form perishing heathen. While they were under of government, a Missionary Society, and, as consideration in the Synod, and at several mis-such, is bound by every consideration of faithsionary meetings, a very delightful spirit of fulness to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to six

hundred millions of perishing heathen, to aid in the great work of supplying the whole world with a preached gospel:

And whereas the last General Assembly refused to ratify the solemn contract made with the Synod of Pittsburgh, by the authority of the preceding General Assembly, and to perfect an organization which, under the divine blessing, would have enlisted the energies, and called into action the resources, of the great body of the Presbyterian church in the missionary cause:

to invite the co-operation of other Synods, and of Presbyteries generally, that are favorable to an ecclesiastical organization. As Directors of the Society, Rev. Drs. Herron and Elliot, and Messrs. Alex'r Laughlin and W. H. Lowrie, were elected for three years; Walter Lowrie, Esq. for two years; and Rev. J. W. Nevin, for one year. In accordance with a recommendation of the Board, a missionary meeting was held, when addresses were delivered by the Cor. Secretary, (Mr. Lowrie,) E. C. Wilson, Esq. and Rev. N. West. The Synod unanimously resolved, "That, in view of the wants of the heathen world, and of the contem

And whereas this Synod resolved, at its last meeting, "that if the General Assembly should not, at its next meeting, organize this great in-plated operations of the W. F. M. Society, in terest," upon such principles as would secure the confidence and co-operation of our churches, "this Synod will, itself, at its next meeting, in dependence on God, fully enter upon the glorious work:" Therefore, resolved,

1. That we are, as a Synod, bound, in duty to our Lord and Master, to the church he has purchased with his blood, and to the millions of our fellow-men, who are perishing for lack of vision, to embark fully and immediately in the prosecution of this great enterprise.

2. Resolved, That, until an ecclesiastical organization can be formed, which will unite and call forth the energies of all who wish for a general Presbyterian Board, this Synod do hereby join the Western Foreign Missionary Society, hitherto under the care of the Synod of Pittsburgh.

3. Resolved, That Synod will, in reliance upon the blessing of God, endeavor, during the present year, to raise within its bounds at least thirty thousand dollars, in aid of the plans which that Board has lately announced its purpose to prosecute.

4. Resolved, That it be earnestly and affectionately recommended to the ministers of this Synod, to act as voluntary agents, in carrying into effect the preceding item, and that they will give every facility to the agents of the Society, who may visit our churches.

5. Resolved, That the stated Clerk be directed to transmit a copy of the above resolutions to the Corresponding Secretary of the

Western Board.

the enlargement of their present missions, and the institution of new ones, it is the duty of every pastor, elder, and other benevolent individual, within our bounds, to aid the said Society by personal exertion, and by contributing of his substance, as the Lord has prospered him: That the churches within the bounds of this Synod ought to raise, in the coming year, for foreign missionary purposes, the sum of 15,000 dollars; and that it is the belief of Synod, that, if the pastors and elders do their duty, the churches will cheerfully contribute that

amount."

THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK-"Believing that it is the right of the Presbyterian church, as a church, to the extent of her ability, to send the gospel to every creature; and believing that many of our churches decidedly prefer ecclesiastical organization in conducting foreign missions; and, indeed, that they can in no other way be effectually enlisted in this cause, and their resources called forth-Resolved, That this Synod regard the Western Foreign Missionary Society, and also the Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, as uniting the confidence of the religious community, and have no disposition to dictate to any of their churches on which of these institutions their patronage shall be bestowed."— Presbyterian.

THE SYNOD OF NEW JERSEY adopted resolutions, expressing their conviction, that the time has come for a great enlargement of plans and efforts for carrying the gospel of Christ to the heathen; and stating, that, "while they have full confidence in the wisdom and integrity of the American Board, they sincerely rejoice to see coadjutors rising up, to share the toils and honors of this blessed enterprise, and cordially recommend the Western Board of Foreign MisTHE SYNOD OF PITTSBURGH recently held sions to the confidence and co-operation of their their annual sessions at Washington, the min-churches."

Extracted from the minutes of the Synod of Philadelphia, in session in the city of Philadelphia, Oct. 29, 1836.

HENRY R. WILSON, Stated Clerk.

utes of which are published in the P. Christian SYNOD OF KENTUCKY.-This Synod passed Herald. This body passed resolutions in favor the following resolutions: "Resolved, That we of the General Assembly's Board of Missions, and the W. F. M. Society. Agreeably to a proposition from the Executive Committee, the Constitution of the Society was altered in the 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th articles, and will soon be published, with the amendments, which tend

deeply regret that the General Assembly did not receive the W. F. Missionary Society under their care; because the faith of the Assem. bly was solemnly pledged to that effect; and because the Presbyterian church ought to engage in the work of foreign missions in its

distinctive character; and this Synod does earnestly hope that the next Assembly will take measures to this effect. That we recommend

to all the churches under our care, that they sustain this Society by their prayers and liberal contributions."

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

LIFE OF REV. JOHN ELIOT.

Jesus Christ as they were? Whether Jesus Christ could understand prayers in the Indian To Brown's History of Missions we are in-language?" &c. Mr. Eliot and his friends debted for the following account of the charac- gave plain and simple answers; and, after a ter and labors of this excellent missionary. conference of three hours, returned home, We have prepared only an abstract, to accom-highly delighted with their visit. Imodate it to the narrow limits of our columns. Encouraged by so favorable a reception, Mr. Our object in presenting it now to the readers Eliot and his friends paid the Indians a second of the Chronicle, is to exhibit, in Mr. Eliot, an visit, and found a greater number assembled example of zeal, fidelity, self denial, and un- than before. After asking the children a few wearied labors, in the cause of God, which de- questions, he discoursed to the congregation serves the special attention and imitation of an hour concerning the nature of God, the plan all Christians at the present day, and more es- of salvation through Jesus Christ, the necessity pecially of ministers, and those who are con- of faith in him, and the awful consequences of secrating themselves to the service of Christ, neglecting the gospel. During these exercises, as missionaries, among the heathen. they all appeared extremely serious and atten. In the year 1646, the General Court of Mas- tive; and, after sermon, an aged Indian stood sachusetts passed an act, encouraging the pro- up, and, with tears in his eyes, inquired, pagation of the gospel among the Indians, and "Whether it was too late for such an old man recommended to the elders of the churches to as he, now near death, to repent and seek after consider the means by which it might be ac- God?" Some others asked, "How the English complished. One of the first to comply with came to differ so much from the Indians in this order was Mr. John Eliot, who, not allow their knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, since ed to keep school in his native country, had they had all at first but one father? How it retired to New England, and was now a min-happened that sea water was salt and river ister of Roxbury, in the vicinity of Boston. water fresh? And, if the water was higher For two years, he had studied the Indian lan-than the earth, why it did not wholly overflow guage, with the aid of a young ingenious na- it?" Mr. Eliot and his friends answered these tive, who understood English, and now could questions, and the Indians thanked God for understand and speak it intelligibly. Thus their coming among them, and for what they prepared for his work, he, with two or three of had heard, which to them were wonderful his friends, in October, visited some Indians a things. few miles from his own house, to whom he had Mr. Eliot visited the Indians a third time; previously given notice that he designed to in- but the assembly was not so numerous as bestruct them in the Christian faith. Several of fore; for the powows, or conjurers, had interthem met him at some distance from their wig-fered, dissuading some from hearing the Engwams, and, bidding him welcome, conducted lish ministers, and threatening others with him into a large apartment, where a great death in case of disobedience. Yet those number of their countrymen were convened, to present were very serious, and seemed much hear the new doctrine which the English were affected with the sermon. Two or three days to teach them. After a short prayer, Mr. Eliot after, Wampas, a sage Indian, with two of his delivered a discourse in the Indian tongue, companions, came to the English, and desired which lasted above an hour, and comprehended to be admitted into one of their families. He some of the most important articles of natural brought his son and other Indian children, and revealed religion-the creation of the begging they might be educated in the Chrisworld, the greatness of God, the ten commands, tian faith; and, at the next meeting, all present the threatenings against transgressors, the offered their children, to be instructed by the character and office of Jesus Christ, the last white people. judgment, the joys of heaven, and the torments of hell. He asked, whether they understood him. They answered, they understood all. He desired them to ask him any questions they might choose respecting the sermon. Some of them asked such as the following: "How a man might come to know Jesus Christ? Whether Englishmen were ever so ignorant of

Encouraged by these auspicious circumstances, the General Court of Massachusetts, on application of Mr. Eliot, gave the Indians in that neighborhood some land on which to build a town-live together, enjoy religious instruction, and cultivate the arts of life. They called the place Noonatomen, and formed some laws for the government of their little society. The