the Cordilleras, vary the physiognomy of the country in an admirable manner, presenting many attractions and beauties of the most picturesque character.

At this interesting crisis in her history, New Granada has revolutionized her government so far as to break with the Pope of Rome-to dissolve the entangling alliance of Church and State, and allow religion to be-as the Bible and the God of the Bible designed it FREE. Immediately there comes to us a call for Bibles and Testaments, and the means of distributing them, where now no impediment exists to their wide circulation. It is ascertained that the entire population embraced within her boundaries is between two and a half and three millions, or but little less than that of our own country at the period of the Declaration of our National Independence. Nearly all these, except the Indians, speak, and many of them read, the Spanish language. Thus invited and urged to enter on this field, we have not felt at liberty to decline; and our first adventure of four or five hundred Bibles and Testaments are already on their way to that country, a mere earnest, we trust, of what is to follow in succeeding years.

Assuredly we shall look with intense solicitude for the reports which we are warranted to expect from Mr. Watts, former British Vice-Consul at Carthagena, to whose care we have committed these Scriptures, with a small supply of Spanish Primers and Tracts, granted for this purpose to us by the American Tract Society. Should this first experiment prove satisfactory, we must seek there also, by the employment of a subsidiary agency, for such colporteur and Bible reading labors as are adapted to the wants of the population.

HAYTI

has again appealed to us, not in vain, for further aid, in furnishing her the Scriptures-some 850 copies having been granted, on application of Rev. Mr. Judd, of the Baptist Free Mission Society, for her benefit.

CHINESE IN CALIFORNIA.

Of the Chinese in California something was said in our last Report; and we have now the satisfaction of knowing that our esteemed brother, Shuck, has entered successfully upon the work of their evangelization. Though the lamented death of Brother Goddard in China caused some little delay in sending, according to our order, the 1,000 Chinese Testaments for the use of Brother Shuck and his assistant, yet we trust that by this time they have been received, and will lead the way to many similar or larger grants hereafter. Two drafts on us of $300 each have been made by this beloved brother, to aid him in the beginning of his work.

GERMAN IMMIGRANTS.

The Germans in our own country and in Canada have continued to make pretty large demands upon our liberality for supplying them promptly and amply with the sacred Scriptures. The German Missionaries and Pastors very generally engage in this work zealously; and besides these, we are constantly sustaining, directly or through some of our auxiliaries, a few faithful colporteurs in this work, whose labors God has largely blessed.

FROM FRANCE,

where we have continued to make the appropriation each year to aid in Scripture distribution, as asked by our Missionary Union, we have received no infor- · mation whatever since the return of Dr. Devan, nearly two years since. It is known generally, that while considerable impediments and persecutions are there experienced, the Word of God is to a gratifying extent circulated, and the demand for it, in certain localities, increases encouragingly.

CENTRAL EUROPE

continues to present before us a wide and most encouraging field, which we have long and liberally cultivated, with most decided and increasing success. While the Rev. Mr. Oncken was in this country, striving so earnestly to raise contributions for the erection of chapels for the feeble churches in Germany, and to secure all the assistance in his power, from new sources as well as old, to aid the enlargement of his Bible distribution, he urged us with such fervency to increase our appropriations to him for this purpose, that our Board consented to devote to that object 12,000 dollars, including his receipts for the Scriptures sold on our account, estimated by him at 5,000 dollars, during the year 1854. This sum was paid to him quarterly. By it he was enabled to increase his Scripture issues to the large amount of 76,443 copies of Scripture, mostly Bibles and Testaments. But in doing this, and sustaining from fourteen to twenty colporteurs, he incurred some debt, so that his entire expenditure on our account for that year amounted to 14,950 dollars: something more than 1,000 being carried to the debtor side, for the present year, and the receipts from Scriptures sold being in the aggregate 1,118 dollars more than the estimate. Hence, for this as well as other reasons, his strong desire that we should appropriate to his use for this year also, a sum as large as the last. To this there are some serious objections, the undue proportion amounting to more than one-fourth of our whole income, which will thus be required for a single country. The fact that from us and others in this country, if they fulfil his expectations, such appropriations will in the aggregate reach about 23,000 dollars per annum--a larger sum than one denomination has ever granted to any one foreign country for Bible distribution, and larger than proper regard for the German immigrants to this country, with other similar classes here, will allow; and larger, certainly, than can be warranted, when the demands of all others, at home and abroad, are taken into account. While these considerations have much weight on the one side, the Board have felt the force of nearly equal reasons on the other, some of them set forth with much earnestness in the letters addressed to us, and have therefore felt themselves scarcely able to judge what is their best course. Could they be assured of such increased contributions as would render it safe for them to pledge this large sum again consistently with other claims more exclusive in their requisitions upon them, they would rejoice to do so. The fact that God has so richly blessed both the Scriptures distributed, and the labors of the indefatigable colporteurs, pleads loudly and eloquently in corroboration of our brother Oncken's appeals; the last of which, received since this Report was principally written, is here subjoined.

HAMBURG, 31st March, 1855.

Rev. Rufus Babcock, D. D., Sec. A. & F. B. S. New York: MY DEAR BROTHER:-The account for 1854, accompanied by a few lines which I mailed on the 20th February, will, I trust, have come to hand in due time. I have been since then very unwell and unable to attend to my usual engagements, and it is only to-day that I have found a little relief. I fear that my present indisposition is only the effect of the Norwalk disaster, and the excitement to which I was more or less subject whilst in the United States. I hope, however, that with the returning milder weather and the Lord's blessing, my impaired health will be invigorated so as to enable me yet to labor a little longer in the blessed work in which I have been so long engaged.

Along with the accompanying Journals of some of the Society's Colporteurs, I send a brief view of their labors during the past year, as extracted from their journals and letters by my daughter. Their labors, however, as you are aware, are not confined to the mere sale of the Scriptures, but that they perform a large amount of important missionary work in connection with the colportage. Thus your Colporteurs have distributed in 1854, at least 100,000 religious Tracts, and, without any exception, they have aided us to supply our increasing stations, where the Gospel is regularly preached. We are therefore under lasting obligations to your Board, not only for furnishing us with the means of circulating the holy Scriptures so extensively, but also for sustaining so many devoted men, through whom thousands are constantly directed to the Lamb of God. It is now, of course, a point of great solicitude with me, to be informed by your respected Board what aid we may expect for the present year.

The demand for the Scriptures is increasing, in good proportion, as the field of our labor expands, and I would, therefore, most earnestly entreat your Board to aid us to the utmost extent of their ability. The octavo Bible and pocket Testament will, in a very short time, be exhausted, and unless speedy aid is received, we shall be placed in great difficulties.

Let the fact, that during the past year upwards of 300 of our members, from various churches, emigrated to the United States, have its influence with your Board in making its appropriations for Germany. America thus shares in the rich blessing with which the Lord continues to crown our feeble efforts.

Our interview with the King of Prussia, at Potsdam, in January last, has been already attended with happy results, inasmuch as the king sent on the 24th February, 1855, ten Prussian dollars to Brother Stangnowsky,* to prevent his being imprisoned for having conducted a religious meeting.

From the accounts which have already appeared in American periodicals, you will have learnt that we met with most gracious reception from the King of Prussia. Now farewell, my dear brother. With affectionate regard to yourself and all the members of your Board,

COLPORTEURS OF THE AMERICAN & FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY IN 1854.

J. Andresen, b. colp. since 1850. Was formerly schoolmaster in a national school, and lost his situation on becoming a Baptist. He is devoted to the work in which he is engaged, and has put forth unwearied efforts to introduce our Bibles into schools. His acquaintance with many schoolmasters prepared the way for him, but the want of the Apocrypha proved an obstacle, until from repeatedly pointing attention to the low price, superior print, &c., of our books, prejudice has been overcome, and he has now the pleasure of seeing them greatly in demand among the youth of Holstein. He also sells many Bibles and Testaments at fairs.

Sold in 1854-1,020 Bibles and 876 Testaments.

Leopold Ausa, b, colp, since 1653. Labors in the country surrounding Landsberg, in East Prussia. He, also, was formerly a schoolmaster. His diligence and self-denial in the fulfilment of his duty as colporteur, are spoken of as exemplary by those who witness it. These qualities, together with an uncommon degree of fearlessness in introducing the Word of God, have led to gratifying results. Though the people, especially the inhabitants of the R. C. Ermeland, are poor, he has succeeded in awakening so much interest in the Word of God, that not a few, at a personal sacrifice, and at the risk of coming under the penalties of the mother church, have bought Bibles and Testaments. By the request of the people, B. Ausa has also held meetings in various places. These have been followed by fines, and consequent confiscation of his property. His house at present contains only the merest necessaries, yet his confidence is unshaken and his zeal undiminished.

Sold in 1854-800 Bibles and 408 Testaments.

Bettfreund in North S hleswig, b. c. since 1852. Had formerly a lucrative trade, but was led by a desire to do something for the spiritual good of his countrymen, to abandon his business and become

*At Goyden, East Prussia, Stangnowsky is one of your Colporteurs.

a Bible Colporteur. So great, however, was the enmity evinced against him, that when he wished to build a house at Nartorp, a more central place than his former residence, no one would sell him a site. His repeated petitions for a sanction to act as Colporteur have remained unanswered. He goes out, nevertheless, and is well received by the peasantry, who are his chief customers.

Sold in 1854-398 Bibles and 108 Testaments.

Beyebach at Hersfeld in Hessia, b. col. In this land of political and religious oppression, the labor of the Bible Colporteur is particularly hindered. Not a gate can be passed without a passport or legitimation, and every gensd'armes has the right to stop him Quite recently B. Beyebach has also received a command no longer to expose Bibles for sale in his window. Yet notwithstanding the restrictions imposed on all Baptists in Hessia, their work prospers. This is, in a great measure, owing to the love and esteem which their blameless life has for them with the people. The latter are their friends, and often of their own accord come to ask for Bibles and Tracts.

Sold in 1854-148 Bibles and 429 Testaments.

Cramme in Hanover, b. colp since 1847. Travels throughout Germany. Wherever an opening occurs, Br. Cramme, regardless of difficulties or personal comfort, is ready to embrace. Though a plain-spoken man, he possesses a pleasing naïvete, which makes him alike welcome with high and low. His stated labors are chiefly in the mining districts of the Harz Mountains, where a desire for God's Word has of late become specially evident. Several miners have been converted simply by reading the Scriptures, and have put on Christ in baptism.

Sold in 1854-288 Bibles and 755 Testaments.

Klinker in Schlesien lives among a bigoted Roman Catholic people. The priests act as gensd'armes to him, and jealously watch every movement. It is therefore only secretly, I hear, he can gain access to the houses and cottages around. Still an ever-wakeful desire to place the Word of God in the hands of those who receive only its counterfeit, has enabled him in many instances to accomplish his purpose. His journies extend to the Austrian frontiers; and even into that empire, which is closed against all Evangelical truth, Br. Klincker has contrived to convey the Scriptures. Sold in 1854-198 Bibles and 418 Testaments,

J. Lange at Elberfeld was many years a colporteur of the British and Foreign Bible Society. He left this service on becoming unable to take the long journies required of him. Br. Lange is now engaged in circulating the Word of God throughout the Valley of the Wupper, where the recent important religious movements have led many to search the Scriptures, who before were all but in name strangers to them. He frequently accompanies Br. Ribbech (one of the clergymen who seceded from the national church) on his Missionary tours, and follows up the preaching of the Word by supplying those who hear it with Bibles.

Sold in 1854-276 Bibles and 1,200 Testaments.

Nutzharn, Bible colp, since 1853. Occupies an extensive and important field of labor in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. There, where more than in any other part of Germany, infidelity and rationalism have established their throne, the Bible comes truly as a great light in a dark place. No opposition being offered by the government, Br. Nutzharn is at liberty to visit the farmers throughout the country. Among the towns where he labors is Bremerhaven, where he has during the past year sold many Bibles,

Sold in 1854-1,480 Bibles and 865 Testaments.

Reichard, Bible colp. since 1848. At Fiorth in the Odenwold. A Roman Catholic pupulation. Br. R. not having free access to the houses, takes advantage of the resorts for pilgrims, with which the country abounds. They are visited frequently by large companies of pilgrims, who come to seek the cure of some bodily ailment, but Br. Reichard directs their attention to their greater mental sickness, and to the cure afforded by the Word of God. The Gospels separately bound, which have a cross on the title-page, are well received.

Sold in 1854-194 Bibles and 1,959 Testaments.

A. Rittmann, Bible colp. since 1849. Labors in Hamburg. There, where little of the fear of God is to be found, it is no easy task to offer his Word. Scorn; contempt, and ridicule, form a part of the Bible colporteur's daily experience. On the other hand, sometimes where least expected, he is well received, and his work appreciated. The numerous emigrants who pass through Hamburg Br. Rittmann makes his special care, and besides supplying them with Bibles and Tracts, brings all who will come to our place of worship.

Sold in 1854-512 Bibles and 1,184 Testaments.

R. Stangnowski, b. colp. since 1852. In East Prussia. Formerly schoolmaster. Makes long tours, and finds little difficulty in introducing the Bible to schools.

Sold in 1854-772 Bibles and 1,262 Testaments.

Schlesier, b. colp. since 1847. In the Duchy of Schleswig. There, too, all religious liberty is denied the Baptists, and although the Bible is greatly needed, Br. Schlesier's labors are hindered in every way, as his journal shows. He has, nevertheless, succeeded in selling in 1854-515 Bibles and 1,074 Testaments.

Zeschbre, b. colp since 1851. Between Berlin and Stettin in Prussia. He labors among the people living along the Oder, and has frequent opportunities for circulating the Scriptures among seamen, în various small ports. Br Z. has found the reduction of prices a great assistance.

Sold in 1854-615 Bibles and 928 Testaments.

The following note, from the Prussian Court Marshal, Count Keller, to Rev. G. W. Schmarm, proves the unwillingness of His Majesty the King to sanction religious persecution in his dominions: "Royal Court Marshal's Office.

"In replying to the communication of your reverence of 19th inst., I have much pleasure in respectfully informing you that His Majesty the King, in consequence of my representation of the teacher, Stangnowski's petition, has graciously commanded me to send you the accompanying ten dollars, which you will please so to apply as to prevent Mr. Stangnowski's imprisonment. "BERLIN, February 24th, 1855."

A letter from Rudolph Stangnowski, Colporteur of the American & Foreign Bible Society, in East Prussia, to Mr. Lehmann, was the occasion of the above note. In it he says:

new.

"GOYDEN, January 18, 1855.

"It is of the Lord that we are not consumed. His mercy is never ending, and is every morning Thus must I exclaim, even at a time when each day brings with it some new trouble. Since my return from Hamburg (in September, 1854), the storm has raged without ceasing, and while I am made the chief object of oppression, the other brethren are not spared. Many are called to suffer for Christ's sake. The royal circuit-court has of late every week repeated its prohibition of our meetings. We have addressed one petition after another to the royal government at Königsberg for redress against the proceedings of the ruinous courts, but no sooner had a decision been passed in our favor by the government, than the circuit courts devised new annoyances, and finally a decision of the government at Konigsberg reached us, sanctioning all that was being done by the circuit courts. We were declared to be but a temporary association, to which Section III. of the law in favor of stated societies could not apply. We were instructed in the first instance to organize ourselves into a fixed society. Nothing now remains us but to apply to the highest authorities in the land, and I am indeed not disinclined myself to seek the presence of our King, to inform him how we are denied the privilege of worshipping the King of kings. Br. Poelke and I have been sentenced to a fine of ten dollars or imprisonment, because, as the accusation says, we are "the leaders of singing and prayer at an unannounced meeting." One witness even on his oath declared, he had seen Br. P. reading aloud on his knees from a Bible. On this evidence our brother has been fined ten dollars... The evidence against me stated, that Br. Thiunn was the president of the Baptists here, and as such had announced my family-worship, to be a public service. This is the cause of my sentence. I have now sent a remonstrance on our behalf to the Court of Appeals. May the Lord incline those who read it in our favor. Three brethren who had been accused, have been dismissed for want of sufficient evidence. To-morrow I am again to appear at the judicial court, but without knowing for what offence. Scarcely a day passes, on which some new summons does not reach me, but the Lord knows we suffer unjustly, and "if God be for us, who can be against us !"

From the Journal of J. Lange, colporteur of the American and Foreign Bible Society. Not long ago I visited Rotterdam, where there is every reason to believe a Baptist church will soon be formed. Since my return, I received the following letter from a friend there:

MY DEAR BROTHER: It has now become time for me to address you. The truth of believer's baptism, which during your visit began to be important to me, I have kept in my heart, and prayed for further enlightenment. The more I examine the subject, the more am I convinced that infant baptism is opposed to the Word of God. But, in proportion to the strength of my convictions, I need grace to prevent me from verging either to the right hand or to the left, from the path I see to be prescribed by the Word of God. Hitherto, the Lord has graciously led me.

You know I have some time inclined to the separatish church, (separated from the Reformed National Church,) and, but for your visit, should have become a member. I, however, partook of the Lord's Supper with them, yet without previous confession, which caused much surprise. My future father-in-law asked me why I did not join the church. I frankly confessed my scruples regarding