as the fact of their existence can no longer be doubted, the next points of inquiry are, whence have they proceeded, and how have they come to establish themselves in a region so remote from their own country? These questions, it is thought, can be answered only by supposing

ism, and object to Christianity. They advan- | there as remarkable for their industry and ced various arguments. One attacked the au- manufactures, as they are in England for their tenticity and genuineness of the Gospel. An- monied transactions. We find in no geogra other adopted the Socinian line of argumenta-phy any account of this body of Jews. But tion, denying that the doctrines of the Trinity and the Deity of Christ are taught in the New Testament. A third attempted to show that the New Testament was invented by persons not understanding Hebrew; and misled by the Septuagint Version. These objections required distinct answers; and afforded Chris-them to be the descendants of the Ten Lost tians an opportunity of exhibiting the great Tribes, concerning the fate of whom theologivariety and power of the evidences of Chisti- ans, historians, and antiquarians, have been anity. The Committee, convinced that the alike puzzled. From Sacred History (2d Kings, Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, re-chap. 17) it appears that the king of Assyria joice that, at these conferences, all the leading carried away the Ten Tribes, and placed them and saving truths of this Gospel have been in Helah and Habor by the river Gosan, and in faithfully and without compromise proclaimed the city of the Medes. Bucharia was unknown to many Jews, who would not otherwise, per- to the ancients; and it is generally admitted haps, have ever heard them. The conferen-that Gosan is the same as the Ganges, which ces closed in a most friendly spirit on both sides, and many Christians have been led to feel a deeper interest in the spiritual welfare of Israel.

rises in those very countries in which the Jews mentioned in the Leipsic account reside-the great plain of Central Asia, forming 4 princi pal sides, viz. Little Bucharia, Thibet, MonThe Missionaries and Missionary Agents of galin, and Mantebous; containing a surface of the Society, beside school-masters, school-mis-150,000 square miles, and 28,000,000 inhabtresses, and others in the service, are 38; of

whom 12 are converted Jews.

The Jewish Missionary Field is large. There is a pressing call for a large and liberal diffusion of the Word of God among his ancient people: there are openings for Jewish Schools: there is a great want of Tracts, and other suitable publications, in Hebrew and other languages, to meet the inquiring spirit of the Jews: and there is a demand for Missionary Laborers, to occupy important posts in the extensive field. This is peculiarly the time for active exertion among the Jews. Their history, condition, and prospects are exciting increased attention in the world. Great changes are taking place in their minds; and the eyes of Christians are opening more and more to the great purposes of Jehovah respecting this wonderful people, as revealed in the Scriptures.

itants. The plain is supported on all sides by mountains of granite. In the interior are rivers of little declivity. In the southern chains are countries, rich, populous, and civilizedLittle Bucharia, Great and Little Thibet. The people of the north are shepherds and wanderTheir habitations are tents, towns, and camps, transported to suit the wants of pasturage. The Bucharians trade in all Asia, and the Such is the country which the newly discoverThibetians advantageously cultivate the earth. ed Israelites are said to inhabit in great num

ers. Their riches consist in their herds.

bers.

The preceding statement is confirmed by cated to England an account of persons resi that of a Mr. Sargon, who, in 1822 communident in Bombay, Cinnamore, &c., evidently of Jewish race; calling themselves Beni Israel, bearing Jewish names with Persian terminations. To obtain a knowledge of their condi tion, Mr. Sargon took a mission to Cinnamore; THE TEN LOST TRIBES OF ISRAEL. and learned that the Beni Israel were numer At present, when the attention of Christians ous in the countries between Cochin and Bomis called to the necessity of missionary exer- bay, the north of Persia, Tartary, and Cashtions for the conversion of the Jews, recent in- mere-the very countries in which they exist telligence, received through a German paper according to the German paper. It is proba of Leipsic, of the 'Ten Lost Tribes, will lead to ble that those who reside in the west of the interesting inquiries. For several years, mer- Indian peninsula had originally proceeded chants from Tiflis, Persia, and Armenia, from Bucharia. In reference to their moral have visited the fair at Leipsic; and lately two and religious character, Mr. Sargon states the traders from Bucharia have come with shawls, following things. They resemble the natives there manufactured of the finest wool of the in dress and manners. They have Hebrew goats of Thibet and Cashmere, by Jewish names. Some of them read Hebrew, and families, who form a third part of the popula- have a faint tradition of the cause of their Extion. In Bucharia, formerly the capital of odus from Egypt. Their common language Loydiana, the Jews have been very numerous is the Hindoo. They keep and worship idols, ever since the Babylonian captivity; and are land use idolatrous ceremonies intermixed with

Hebrew.

They circumcise their children. They observe the Kipper, or great expiationday of the Hebrews; but not the Sabbath or feast days. They call themselves Gorah Je hudi, or White Jews; and term the Black Jews, Collah Jehudi. They acknowledge the Arabian Jews as their brethren, but not the European Jews. They use, on all occasions, the usual Jewish prayer, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." They have no Priest or Levite among them; but have a kasi (reader) who performs prayers and conducts their religious ceremonies. They expect the Messiah, and rejoice in the belief that he will soon appear-that they will see their God at Jerusalem-worship him only, and be despised no more. The Jews of Judah and Benjamin exceed five millions. Add these to the many other millions in different eastern countries, and what immense power would be brought into action, were the spirit of nationality once roused to unite them in claiming the land which was given them as "a heritage for ever," and to which, in every other clime, their fondest hopes and dearest aspirations never cease to turn!

their way up the Irawaddy into Thibet and China, and in both proclaim the redemption of Christ. Prayerful dependence on the promises of God will no doubt be succeeded by permission to occupy these hitherto inaccessible countries. As the way is now open in Burmah for preaching and printing the word of life, it is quite certain, if we will only occupy Ava faithfully a few years, we should be permitted to plant a branch of the mission in Bomau, and then we are on the borders of China and Thibet. Let a press be put in operation in Ava, as the most effectual means of enlightening the minds and securing the confidence of government men; and, at the same time, let the Gospel be preached faithfully to all classes of people. Let one missionary be placed in Ava, or Ummerapoora, learning the Chinese language, and two of our best Burman assistants be directed to travel incessantly between Ava and Bomau preaching the gospel and distributing tracts. All this is practicable and vastly desirable; and when we consider the end to be obtained, we ought to be willing to risk ease, and health, aad even life itself. These regions, that have never been trodden by the messengers of peace, might soon lift up

ACCESS TO THIBET AND CHINA THROUGH their hands to God.

BURMAH.

The American Baptist Board propose establishing a mission at Sudiya among the Shans, From the Missionary Register we learn that a very numerous people, extending over the the way is opening, through Burmah, for the country which connects Burmah, Siat, and distribution of the Scriptures and religious China, whose dialects differ little from the tracts, and the establishment of Christian mis- Burmese and Siamese. In view of this consions in Thibet and China. Mr. Kincaid, in templated mission, and the prospect through his Journal at Ava, Feb. 3, 1835, says: I visit- it of access to China, Mr. Judson greatly reed Meaday-a considerable village, and Chi- joices, saying, "My heart leaps for joy, and nese mart, six miles above Ummerapoora. swells with gratitude and praise to God, when Large caravans come in from the province of I think of brother Jones at Bankok, in the Yunnan during the cold season, and exchange southern extremity of the continent; and broththeir goods for the productions of this country.er Brown at Sudiya in Assam, on the frontiers I had an opportunity of seeing the Chinese of China-immensely distant points-and of just as they are in their own country. The all the interesting stations-Ava, Rangoon, most prominent trait in the expression of their Kyouk-Phyoo, Maulmein, and Tavoy; and the countenance is dullness, combined with self-churches and schools which are springing up satisfaction. They have nothing of that lofty, in every station throughout the Karen wilderconsequential air that marks the Burman char-ness. Happy lot, to live in these days! O acter, yet appear equally proud and self-satis

fied.

I found many Chinese able to speak Burman, though not fluently. Their spoken language seems entirely different from that spoken at Canton and the eastern provinces, though their written language is the same throughout the empire. I ascertained that they carry on a considerable trade with Lassa, the capital of the Thibetians. The distance to some of the nearest towns in China is probably not more thun 200 miles, as a caravan makes the journey in 20 days. Bomau, the most northern city of Burmah, is said to be but 2 or 3 day's journey from Yunnan.

It will be a day of triumph to the church of God when her sons shall be permitted to make

happy lot to be allowed to bear a part in the glorious work of bringing an apostate world to the feet of Jesus! glory, glory be to God!"

MISSIONS IN ASIA MINOR.

In the Cincinnati Journal we find a letter from Rev. Benj. Schneider, dated at Broosa, Asia Minor, Nov. 13, 1835, of which we have prepared the following abstract, for the perusal of our readers.

Broosa is situated in the ancient Bithynia, at the base of the Asiatic Olympus, 18 miles from the sea of Marmora, and above 100 from Constantinople, by land. It is said to have been founded by Hannibal, the famous Carthaginian general. Previously to the taking of Constan

tinople in 1453, it was, for 130 years, the capital of the Ottoman empire. Here rest the sleeping ashes of kings and great men of former days. Orchan, son of Osman, reposes amid 23 graves of his wives and children, and his father occupies a large, costly mausoleum. Bajazet lies entombed in a stately sepulchre beside a beautiful mosque, both erected by himself. The city abounds with the tombs of Turkish saints, at which bigoted Mohammedans, as they pass, address prayers either to the saints, or to God through them as intercessors. The inhabitants say, there are as many mosques in Broosa as there are days in the year. This estimate may be two high; yet the false prophet has many followers and his religion a firm hold in this place.

tion, a cardinal point in the religion of the Bible, they think is the mere external application of water in baptism, by the efficacy of which original sin is washed away. On account of their misunderstanding of the Gospel, gross ignorance, and inveterate prejudices, their moral condition is extremely deplorable. The character of their priesthood, and their whole ecclesiastical system, throw still a deeper gloom over the picture. Here lies the greatest evil. I admit that there are commendable things among these people; but of vital godliness and the only way of salvation they seem to be wholly ignorant. We feel the need of the prayers of Christians, that God would, by the influence of his Spirit, show them a more excellent way. On this point I The city is about three miles in length, and cannot express the strength of my convictions. seven miles in circumference. Its buildings Could I send my voice to the ears of Christians are beautifully diversified with gardens. It is in America, dazzled and almost overpowered abundantly supplied with water, gushing from as they are by heavenly light, I would fill the mountains. Almost every house has a them with notes of entreaty not to forget those fountain or two. Beneath the city is a charm." sitting in the region and shadow of death." ing plain, partly covered with extensive vineyards, mulberry fields and fruitful gardens, with a soil peculiarly rich and productive. Viewed from an eminence, the city with its numerous mosques, hundreds of towering minarets, its khans, verdant gardens, delightful plain, clothed with grapes and fruits, presents a scene of loveliness scarcely exceeded in the Turkish empire. It is celebrated for its salubrious mineral baths, resorted to by numerous invalids. The population is variously estimated from 60 to 120 thousand; chiefly Moham-1 medans, but some Greeks, Jews, and Roman Catholics. The Greeks have 3 churches; the Armenians, only one. The Greeks have a peculiar passion for building churches. They have a Hellenic school in which the principal study is ancient Greek, and another on the Lancasterian plan. The Armenians have two The prospects of the missions at Constantior three schools; but the children are taught nople are quite flattering. The missionaries little, except the prayers and forms of their are much encouraged. The Lord gives them church. The Mohammedans also have schools; tokens of his presence. The interest is conbut in them the Koran and treatises on the fined chiefly to the Armenians. Several Mussulman faith are chiefly studied. Such months ago, near the city of Tiflis, about 50 education tends to contract rather than liberal- Armenians were living joyful in the faith of ize the mind, and is the means of riveting the Jesus Christ, determined to endure all reproach chains of superstition. for his sake. I state these facts to encourage Christians to pray for the missions in this region. It is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord."

The Greeks and Armenians are nominally Christians, and profess to take the Bible for their guide; though, like the Scribes and Pharisees, they make the command of God of no effect by their traditions. Their religion is a round of ceremonies which touch not the heart. They are punctilious in observing external rites; but of spiritual, heart religion they have no right perception. In their estimation, to be a good Christian is to observe their numerous fasts from 140 to 150 in a year, which are merely abstinence from animal food; to adore the saints and the Virgin Mary; to make sign of the cross, &c. And regenera

We have been here a little more than a year. Our time has been mainly occupied in the study of the languages, of which Turkish is the most generally spoken. We were much opposed by the Greek Bishop; but the Lord stood by us. We gradually gained the confidence of the people, and began to distribute books, tracts, Bibles and Testaments. Of the latter we have circulated nearly 1000. We have two Lancasterian schools under our care, and hope to have two more. We have a small class of promising young Greeks, studying the English language; two of whom, we much hope, the Lord will make instruments of great good to their nation. They are much enlightened, and need only the renewing of the Divine Spirit to make them devout and humble Christians.

WESLEYAN MISSION TO HAYTI.

We learn from Wesleyan journals, that Hayti is becoming a promising missionary field. There is no obstacle from the government. The people are represented as being docile and tractable. Almost the only reli gion taught on the island consists in a few mummeries of Popery, to which the Haytians appear not much attached. The scale of mor

any worldly business on the Lord's day. The | hope you will meet with friends, whose hearts people at Gloucester have built themselves a and hands will be toward the benighted popu new frame church. Those at Charlotte at-lation of this too-long-neglected Isle; and that tempted to build, but were not able to finish; and seeking aid from the Governor, he said he would like to know what assistance they would give, and promised to aid them. They soon collected £30; each also offered to give a week's labor-an evidence of their desire to see the house of God finished. When the mis

sionaries were obliged to relinquish Hastings, from want of laborers, the inhabitants entreated Mr. Weeks not to leave them. Many wept bitterly; while one most feelingly observed: "Oh, sir! you are leaving us in darkness.

We fear we shall soon turn back to our leathenish customs. This trouble is too great." The people entreated, in the most earnest manner, that some one of the religious teachers might be placed among them.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

MAURITIUS, OR THE ISLE OF FRANCE, now belonging to Great Britain, lies in the Indian Ocean, 560 miles east of Madagascar. It is about 350 miles in circumference. Its capital is Port Louis. Its air is salubrious, but the land is not very fertile. Indigo is much cultivated, and produces four or five crops in the year. The free population is estimated at 23,121-the apprentices, at 70,871. There are three Protestant places of worship, and four Roman Catholic; the former attended by 750 persons-the latter, by 1900. There are 4 schools, and 298

scholars. There are two civil and one military chaplain, and one Protestant missionary-Rev. John Le Brun, who makes a solemn appeal in behalf of the colored and Negro population.

In addressing a lady, who had left the island in March preceding, Mr. Brun, under deep concern for the spiritual welfare of the colony, invokes her aid in the following

manner:

"When enjoying the consolation of true friendship, do not, I pray you, forget those whom you leave behind. Be not like the Officer of the king of Egypt, who, when he was exalted, forgot poor Joseph in his prison and fetters. Remember that you leave, even in this barren place, some who are the servants of your exalted King and Savior.

soon there will be formed a Committee of Ladies, to supply us with lessons for Infant Schools, and little fancy-works, to be given as rewards; and also Reward Books in French, to be given to the children, to encourage them to apply themselves to their instruction.

It appears to me, that all the good which they do at home is for the West Indies: the poor Mauritius is altogether forgotten. Pray ask them if they have no pity for SEVENTY THOUSAND poor emancipated Negroes. All the good things are for the West: nothing for the

East!

The second Civil Chaplain thus addressed the same lady:

"I feel a sad want of a few religious and entertaining books, to form a small Lending Library for Young People, and for the soldiers who are continually applying to me for a loan of some books. I had not an idea of the des titute state of the island in this respect, or I should have come better provided. Such books as I have of my own, I lend; and they are frequently and extensively read. You they would, I promise, be well taken care of, might, perhaps, get me a few select volumes: and well read. The Tract Society gave me a grant of Tracts when I was coming out, which have been very useful, both in the Civil Hospital and in the Prisons, as well as generally. You may use this letter, as a request from a minister situated in one of the darkest parts of the earth.

The lady, to whom these communications were addressed, writes:

"An Orphan Asylum, for the destitute female children of the colored and negro population, would be a very effectual method of introducing that morality, which at present is almost unknown. They live in the most dissolute manner. In nineteen years, Mr. Le Brun, married four couple: at the Episcopal Church, I know of only one marriage in seven years: and, among the Roman Catholics, I should think the ratio the same-I mean among the Negroes-and I should think the colored population very little better. I do not mean the Indian Christians (converted Aborigines), who certainly set the best example in the island."

A subscription has been opened in furtherIance of the objects of this appeal.