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rains, thunders and lightnings.-Forbes', Memoirs.

Isaiah xiii, 21.

But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there.

In my second visit to Birs Nimrood, while passing over the last tracts of the ruin-spread ground, at some little distance from the outer bank of its quadrangular boundary, my party suddenly halted, having descried several dark objects moving along the summit of its hill, which they construed into dismounted Arabs on the look-out, while their armed brethren must be lying concealed under the southern brow of the mound. Thinking this very probable, I took out my glass to examine, and soon distinguished that the cause of our alarm were two or three majestic lions, taking the air upon the heights of the pyramid. haps 1 never had beheld so sublime a picture to the mind, as well as to the eye. These were a sort of enemy, which my party were accustomed to dread without any panic fear; and while we continued to advance, though

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slowly, the hallooing of the people made the noble beasts change their position, till, in the course of twenty minutes, they totally disappeared. We then rode close up to the ruins; and I had once more the gratification of ascending the awful sides of the tower of Babel. In my progress I stopped several times to look at the broad prints of the feet of the lions, left plainly in the clayey soil; and, by the track, I saw that if we had chosen to rouse such royal game, we need not go far to find their lair. But while thus actually contemplating these savage tenants, wandering amidst the towers of Babylon, and bedding themselves within the deep cavities of her once magnificent temple, I could not help reflecting on how faithfully the various prophecies have been fulfilled, which relate, in the Scriptures, to the utter fall of Babylon, and abandonment of the place; verifying, in fact, the very words of Isaiah,"Wild beasts of the desert shall lie there," &c.-Sir R. K. Porter's Travels in Persia.

Matthew xxii, 12.

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?

By the following statement, it will appear how peculiarly necessary it was, and still is, to possess, in the east, what may be termed a dress of ceremony for special occasions. "There is a vulgar rumor, that, when a Christian wishes for an audience, a message is delivered to the Grand Signor, setting forth, that a dog, naked and hungry, begs to be admitted: to which is given this reply, Clothe him, and feed him, and bring him in. The pelisse is a badge of honor in Turkey, the same as the garter or court robes are in England. But perhaps the humiliating expression of clothing may arise from the nature of the Frank's dress, which is considered by the Turks as no dress at all. It is reckoned indecent, in the short oriental or Mameluke costume, to make an ordinary visit without that outer garment which covers one like a college gown."-Sir F. Henniker's Notes during a visit to Egypt, &c.

MISSIONARY SALES.

A VERY good plan for increasing the funds of Missionary Societies has been recently adopted in Great Britain. We refer to Missionary Sales. The friends of the cause are invited to send in such articles as they can most conveniently spare, and, at an appointed time, they are put up at auction, and the proceeds of the sale are paid over to the Society. The articles contributed are usually the production of the taste and ingenuity of the donor; but donations of other kinds, such as books, clothing, manufactured goods, agricultural produce, &c. are thankfully accepted. Our benevolent Societies would do well to adopt this plan. There are thousands in this country who would cheerfully contribute articles that would bring twenty dollars at such a sale, who would not give five dollars in money. [N. Y. Obs.

American Board of Foreign Missions.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. EVERY Successive year multiplies the triumphs of grace, and increases the confidence of those who "fight the good fight," in the rapid approach of the day, when all the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms of Christ. There is reason to hope, that, before many years more shall have passed away, the Gospel will be preached to every creature, churches will be established in all lands, and the Lord "will be as a dew unto Israel." But to these results systematic and persevering exertions are necessary. To the prayers of faith, must be added the labors of love. Not some individuals only, but the great body of Christians throughout the world, must come up with one heart and soul, "to the help of the Lord against the mighty." And to this strong and universal effort things appear now to be tending.

It does not become us to speak particularly of the merits of the Report, which we wish, by this article, to introduce to the notice of our readers. It will be sufficient to say, that it embodies all the leading facts in the history of the operations of the American Board during the last year. Many of these facts have been already published; but not in the connected form, and with all those explanations given to them in this document. A condensed and succinct view of each missionary station, of the receipts and disbursements of the Treasury, and of various subjects connected with the general cause of missions, is required at the close of each year, to justify, not only the past proceedings, but the future plans of

the Board, and to satisfy the Christian public, || spreading, universal eagerness to throw some

that their labors and sacrifices are not in vain in the Lord. Such a view is furnished in the Report before us. Regard to the feelings of those, who have contributed to the funds, leads us to wish that it may have an extensive circulation; and regard to the interests of the missionary cause inspires us with the hope, that it will be read with attention, and with a spirit of piety. The body of the Report contains somewhat less than 150 pages, and the Appendix about 50 pages more.

At present, we can do no more than subjoin the concluding remarks of the Prudential Committee.

After this survey of the plans and operations, in which a kind Providence has permitted the American churches to be engaged, is there not occasion for gratitude, that our feeble instrumentality has been thus employed? Who does not rejoice, that missions are planted in Asia, in the islands of the sea, in the wilderness of our own continent; that schools are established, in which multitudes of children are taught the way to heaven; that the Word of God is distributed, and the Gospel of the kingdom preached, in different languages; that churches are formed in pagan lands, divine institutions enjoyed, and converted heathens evidently prepared to unite in the song of Moses and the Lamb? Who does not rejoice, that so many openings are discovered, into which evangelical laborers may enter, and proclaim the message of everlasting love?

Let us proceed, then, with courage, in this highest and holiest undertaking, that ever admitted the agency of mortals. Let us look at the immense field, which remains to be sub. dued and cultivated; let us make a faithful and sober estimate of the means, which are placed at the disposal of the people of God; and let no despondence, or want of faith, quench the ardor of our hopes, or cramp our plans and exertions. Why should there be any hesitation, in presenting the claims of a world lying in wickedness, or in describing the responsibility of men as stewards of their Master's property? What is to be gained by tempering and accommodating the commands of Christ, in such a manner as to suit the views of the selfish and unbelieving? Is it not rather the duty of every Christian to keep before the mind the miserable condition of the nations still remaining without hope, and without God in the world? Should not these perishing millions lie, as a heavy burden, upon the soul, till all is done, which men can do, for their salvation? It is the gracious ordinance of heaven, that men can do much, and are required to do much, in this amazing work.

How delightful it would be to behold a large Christian community, possessing within itself vast resources of talents and property, expending its full strength in the attempt to rescue from ruin souls now held under the cruel dominion of Satan; to witness one wide

weight into the right scale, in the contest which exists between Christ and his enemies; to compare, without any danger of blushing at the comparison, the sacrifices which men will make for Christ, with those, which they will make to support a popular war against a rival nation, or to carry on a system of domestic improvements, or to obtain the reputation of power and public spirit and magnificence. How glorious a triumph it will be, when the Gospel prevails over selfish and sordid feelings at home, while its conquests are rapidly succeeding each other abroad; when the news of heathen tribes, brought within the pale of Christianity, shall be received, by our whole population, with elevated joy and humble thanksgiving; and when wisdom, and learning, and talents, and wealth, and industry, shall bring their cheerful tribute, and lay it, with grateful adoration, at the feet of the Redeemer.

ANNIVERSARIES.

MASSACHUSETTS.-Foreign Mission Society of Boston and the Vicinity.

THIS Society held its annual meeting in Boston on the 1st of January. A Sermon was delivered by the Rev. B. B. Wisner. Hon. William Phillips, President.

Josiah Salisbury, Esq. Vice President. Rev. William Jenks, Secretary.

Henry Hill, Esq. Treasurer. Mr. Charles Stoddard, Auditor. The receipts of the Society for the year 1823 amount to $1,951,61.

Foreign Mission Society of Northampton and the neighboring Towns.

The annual meeting of this Auxiliary was held at Hatfield, Oct. 14, 1823. Sermon by Rev. John Woodbridge.

Rev. Joseph Lyman, D. D. President.
Rev. Solomon Williams, Vice President.

Daniel Stebbins, Esq. Secretary.
Dea. Ebenezer S. Phelps, Treasurer.
Hon. Jonathan H. Lyman, Auditor.

The receipts of the Society from Oct. 8, 1822 to Oct. 6, 1825, inclusive, were $520,29.

CONNECTICUT.-Foreign Mission Society of Litchfield County.

This Auxiliary held its annual meeting at Litchfield on the 12th of February, and a Sermon was delivered by the Rev. Charles Prentice.

Hon. John Cotton Smith, President.
Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D. 2
V. Presid's.
Rev. James Beach,

Rev. Joseph Harvey, Secretary.
Hon. Benjamin Talmadge, Treasurer.
Mr. John P. Brace, Auditor.

The receipts of the Society for the year ending Nov. 25, 1823, are as follows:-from Litchfield, 175,25; South Farms, 20,06; Milton, 7,25; Northfield, 5,51; Bethlem, 150,82; Burlington, 8; Canaan, 22; Colebrook, 60; Cornwall, 68,51; Goshen, 347,38; Harwinton, 49,98% Kent, 42,95; New Hartford, 68; Norfolk, 54,60; Ne Milford, 12,25; Plymouth, 106,42; Roxbury ,83; S

isbury, 15,50; Sharon, 56,12; Southbury, 44,21; Sherman, 29,36; Torrington, 60,72; Torringford, 81,90; Warren, 49,15; Washington, 90,22; New Preston, 77,17; Watertown, 185,17; Winchester, 68,29; Winsted, 50,92; Woodbury, 29,75; Contribution at annual meeting in Litchfield, 102,61. Total, 82,154,95.

Missionary Society of the Western District of New Haven County.

The annual meeting of this Society was held at North Milford, Oct. 14, 1823. The collections for the year amounted to $356. The amount of the preceding year $179,71. We have not learned the names of the officers.

field;

FORMATION OF ASSOCIATIONS.

was

Mr.

MASSACHUSETTS. Worcester Co. BrookFirst Parish. Gentlemen's Association; Rev. Eliakim Phelps, President, Silas Henry, Vice Pres, Dea. Josiah Cary, Secretary, Dr. Lawson Mirick, Treasurer, and eleven Collectors.Ladies' Association: Mrs. Eliakim Phelps, President, Mrs. Matthew Wood, Vice Pres., Miss Dorothy S. Merriam, Sec. Mrs. Thomas Bond, Treas., and twelve Collectors. Formed Jan. 7th.

CONNECTICUT. New Haven. Gentlemen's Association: Rev. Samuel Merwin, Pres., Dea. Nathan Twining, Vice Pres., Rev. Thomas F. Davies, Sec., Mr. Cleaveland J. Salter, Treas., and ten Collectors. Formed Dec. 21st.

A Ladies' Association was also formed; the names of the officers have not been communicated.

ABSENCE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY.

PULMONARY Complaints of a threatening aspect have rendered it necessary for Mr. Anderson, the assistant Secretary of the Board, to suspend for a time his labors at the Missionary Rooms, and to spend the remaining part of the cold season in a warmer climate. He sailed on the 15th ult. for the port of Havanna, intending to spend some time in the interior of Cuba. The hope is indulged, that this measure will be the means of his restoration to confirmed health, and that he will be able, on his return, to resume and continue his useful labors. In the mean time, the Prudential Committee have made such arrangements for the supply of his place, and that of the Corresponding Secretary, that the objects of the Board will, it is hoped, continue to be accomplished. Letters for the department of the Corresponding Secretary may be addressed as usual.

Recent Intelligence.

SOUTH AMERICA.

Messrs. Brigham and Parvin, who were mentioned at p. 4th of our last number, as hav

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PALESTINE MISSION.

JOURNAL OF MESSRS. FISK AND KING,
AT JERUSALEM.

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Garden of Gethsemane.

We went out at Stephen's gate, which is sometimes called the Sheep gate. We then descended the hill, passed the bed of the brook Cedron, which contains no water except in the rainy season, and then came to the Garden of Gethsemane, one of the most affecting and interesting spots on earth. It is a small plat of ground, with a low enclosure of stones. In it stand eight venerable looking olives, which seem as if they might have remained there from time immemorial. The side of the bill was covered with Turkish women, and the road was full of armed Turks of fierce ap

kets for amusement. It would have been

OUR last number contained an account of the journey of Messrs. Fisk and King through the Desert, and of their arrival at Jerusalem on the 25th of April, 1823. We now proceed with some extracts from their journal writ ten after their arrival at the Holy City. With these we shall incorporate, in a few places, extracts from a private journal, written by Mr. King during the same period. April 26, 1823. Called on the Gover-pearance, occasionally firing off their musnor of Jerusalem with a letter of introduc tion from the Governor of Jaffa. He welcomed us to the city, with many compliments. Toward evening we took a walk on mount Zion. A part of it is covered with the tombs of Greek and Armenian Christians. On the east and south sides, it is plowed and cultivated. Near the summit is a little walled village, containing a mosque and a few mussulman's houses. The Jews call this village the City of Zion, and it is generally believed to contain the tombs of David, and Solomon, and the other kings of Israel.

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The following day being the Sabbath, Mr. Wolff and Abraham Shliffro, a Jew, who seems to have been convinced of the truth of Christianity, called at the rooms of Messrs. Fisk and King, to unite in the appropriate exercises of the day. A number of persons came in, in the morning, to purchase the Scripturès;-but were refused, because it was the Lord's day. In the afternoon the Greek priests called to welcome the missionaries to the city, bringing with them various tokens of their friendship.

On the 28th, towards evening, they walked out from Jerusalem, and visited the garden of || Gethsemane, the valley of Jehoshaphat, the pool of Siloah, and the valley of Hinnom. VOL. XX.

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unpleasant, and perhaps unsafe, to remain walk over the field, and indulge a few long in such a place. We could only transitory meditations.

Mr. King's first visit to the Garden of Gethsemane is thus described.

After waiting a little time for two men to accompany me, I went out of the city, passed over the brook Cedron, and entered the Garden of Sorrow. It lies at the foot of the Mount of Olives, and within a stone's cast of the brook Cedron. In it are eight large olive trees, whose trunks show that they are very ancient. They stand at a little distance from each other, and their verdant branches afford a refreshing shade. The land on which they stand, and around them, is sandy and stony, and it appears like a forsaken place. Around it is the appearance of a little wall, composed of small stones, and broken down. entering this Garden, I requested the two men with me to sit down under one of the olives, which they did, and I went a little distance from them, to another olive, and read the 53d chapter of Isaiah, and also, in the four Gospels, the scenes of that sorrowful night, when the Son of Man was betrayed into the hands of sinners. During this, some dark, fierce looking Bedouins, armed with long spears and swords, advanced on horse

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back, and I was not without some fear,, that they would think me alone, and attack me.

After looking at me very attentively, and at the two men under the olives, at a little distance from me, they passed by. The momentary fear which this excited, brought to my mind, more impressively, the scene, when Jesus was betrayed, and taken by a multitude, who "came out against him with swords and with staves."

We then followed the bed of Cedron at the foot of Mount Moriah. The hill is high and steep, and the wall of the city stands on its brink. On our left was Mount Olivet, still covered with olive trees. Near the bed of the brook is a small monument, called Absalom's Pillar, and believed by the Jews, to be the one referred to, 2 Sam. 18:18. It is near the west end of the valley of Jehoshaphat, or the King's dale. Near this is another monument called the Sepulchre of Pharaoh, but why so called, nobody has been able to inform us. The valley of Jehoshaphat was deep, with steep sides. This valley, we are told, runs to the Dead Sea, but how far it bears the same name, we do not know.

Pool of Siloah.

On the east side of the valley is a small village called Siloah, and back of the village is a hill, distinct from Mount Olivet, || which is called the Hill of Offence, because supposed to be the hill, on which Solomon built the High places, mentioned 1 Kings 11:7. Near the south-east corner of the city, at the foot of Zion and Moriah, is the pool of Siloah, (See Neh. 3:15.) whose waters flow with gentle murmur from under the Holy mountain of Zion, or rather from under Öphel, having Zion on the west, and Moriah on the north. The very fountain issues from a rock, twenty or thirty feet below the surface of the ground, to which we descended by two flights of steps. Here it flows out without a single murmur, and appears clear as crystal. From this place it winds its way several rods under the mountain, then makes its appearance with gentle gurgling, and forming a beautiful rill, takes its way down into the valley, towards the south-east. We drank of the water, both at the fountain, and from the stream, and found it soft, of a sweetish taste, and pleasant. fountain is called in Scripture the "Pool of Siloam." It was to this, that the blind man went, and washed, and came seeing. John 9:7-11.

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As I came up from this pool, (Mr. King writes,) a Mussulman Arab, that stood near, looked at me with all the wildness of a man possessed of the devil, and endeav

ored, by the distortion of his countenance, and the rolling of his eyes, to express towards me the highest contempt and spite possible. I never saw a more frightful figure, except at the Insane Hospital in

Paris.

Leaving this place, we pursued our way amidst the roaring of wild Arabs and infatuated Turks, who seemed to be prowling about, in vast numbers, in the valleys and over hills, which made us feel that it was quite unsafe to be without a Turkish guard. We had with us two men in the Arab dress, but they were Christians, and unarmed. At this time there are multitudes of Turks here, with their women, from Damascus, and other places, come, as they say, to visit the tomb of Moses, which they suppose to be two or three hours distant from Jerusalem, towards the Dead Sea. They lie round about Gethsemane and the valley of Jehoshaphat, and it is dangerous for us to go much among them.

The Potter's Field.

South of this valley, rises a mountain of huge ragged cliffs of rocks, between which are little spots of cultivated ground. One of the most rude and rugged spots, and which is close to the valley of Tophet, is pointed out as the field purchased with the money, for which Judas betrayed his Master, and which is called the Potter's field, or the field of blood. Here Judas is said to have been buried, and perhaps it was here he hanged himself. Acts 1:18. There are trees standing near the brink of huge cliffs and precipices, and if he hung himself on one of these trees and fell, it is very easy to see why he should have burst asunder, and all his bowels have gushed out. There are many tombs in it hewn out of the solid rock, and it looks desolate, and is uninhabited.

From the valley of Jehoshaphat we turned west into the valley of Hinnom, or "the valley of Slaughter," called also Tophet,

where the children of Israel caused their children to pass through the fire to Moloch. See Jer. 7:31,32. In this valley we pursued our way towards the west at the foot of Mount Zion, and returned through Jaffa gate, to our lodgings.

On the 29th they sold all their remaining copies of the Turkish Testament in the Armenian character, and many more were wanted. One man followed them half way to their lodgings, and begged them, for the love of God, to let him have one. He would not believe them, when they repeatedly assured him, that they had parted with the last

copy.

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