STATEMENT OF ISSUES FROM THE MAULMAIN MISSION PRINTING-HOUSE.

FROM OCTOBER 1, 1851, TO OCTOBER 1, 1852.

Life of Christ..

The following remarks were appended to this statement:

ISSUES.-Though the number of pages distributed during the year above reported, is not much less than during the previous year, yet the work of distribution has been hindered by the occurrence of the war, which commenced early in the year, after which but little intercourse could be held with the natives in the interior, and tract distribution and colporteurage were thereafter mainly confined to the large towns near to the sea This remark, however, does not apply to the Provinces of Tavoy and Mergui, nor to Arracan, except upon her southern border, as those Provinces are far removed from the scenes of hostility, though the excitements incident to the war, have unfitted all, more or less, for a right and profitable reception of religious truth.

Previous to the war, and after a fierce opposition from the Viceroy of Rangoon had been overcome, a few boxes of books were passed through the custom house at Rangoon, and they had begun to be distributed, though with great carefulness, as tract distribution had been prohibited by the Viceroy. After the blockade of Rangoon, most of these books unfortunately fell into the hands of the Burmese army, and were destroyed. The brethren connected with the Mission left Rangoon in January and returned in May, since which time the work of distributing books has recommenced. The town of Bassein, situated on the northernmost branch of the Irrawaddy, about one hundred miles from the sea, in close vicinity with numerous Karen Churches. has also been made a Mission Station, from which place, and Rangoon, hereafter, as doubtless from other stations in what is now called Burmah Proper, an immense number of scriptures and tracts will go out into regions hitherto either entirely unopened to mission laborers, or impeded by many obstructions.

It will be seen by the record above, that the current edition of several books and tracts is nearly exhausted, among which is the Burmese New Testament. New editions are demanded, and will be be printed as soon as possible-the New Testament, probably, with marginal references.

In the work of evangelizing Burmah, nearly 60,000,000 of pages have issued from one printing. house alone. That this immense issue has not been in vain, thousands of converts to Christianity have joyfully testitied-and the testimony of God in regard to his own truth remaineth-"IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID."

The leading article in our Periodical Paper for October last contained the solemn appeal of our first missionary, Dr. Judson, for placing one entire copy of the Burman Bible in every town and village throughout Burmah and Arracan, as the least we could do for Burmah, and declaring that such a plan would tend more effectually than any other to fill the country with the knowledge of divine truth. The pertinent illustrations and arguments by which this appeal was enforced for hanging up one golden lamp in every village in that dark land, have produced a wide and favorable impression throughout most of our churches and contributors. Our Board have solicited of the Missionary Union their approbation in carrying into as full effect as possible this proposition, pledging ourselves to defray the entire expense of it. It has been submitted by the Union to the consideration of the convocation of the Missionaries, and the deputation sent to meet them, which was expected to be held at Maulmain early the last month. Should this proposition be favorably regarded and acted on, a new incentive would be furnished to many of our friends promptly to furnish the cost of hanging up one of these golden lamps.

The high and holy inducements now appropriately furnished us to engage with becoming zeal in giving to Burmah, recently thrown open to our efforts, the oracles of God, are of a character well adapted to produce profound and permanent impressions throughout our entire constituency. Judson, and Mason. and Haswell, and Brayton, have toiled long in hope, cheered by the glimmering expectation that a time would come, when a wide and open field would be ready, in which to scatter the blessed seed they were preparing to be sown. Some of them have gone to their rest and their reward on high; but of the departed, and of those who still remain, the Savior's words are literally true: "Other men have

labored and ye have entered into their labors." Long as the Burman, the Karen, the Peguan, shall be blessed with the Sacred Scriptures, will the fragrant memorial of what these early translators have accomplished, be held in grateful and hallowed remembrance; while it is ours, joining our active efforts and contributions to the accomplishment of what they have so nobly begun, to share with those who, in this gospel harvest, whether as sowers or reapers, are gathering FRUIT UNTO LIFE ETERNAL!

IN ORISSA,

The communications of Dr. Sutton, portions of which have from time to time appeared in our Periodical Papers, show clearly the success which attends the efforts for Scripture distribution. By the death of the senior missionary, Mr. Lacey, and the temporary absence on a voyage to England of Mr. Bulkley, the Secretary, unusual cares are thrown on Dr. Sutton, which in a degree confine him more closely; yet by the following extract from his letter, dated Cuttack, Feb. 1st, 1853, the progress then making in the good work is clearly indicated.

LETTER FROM DR. SUTTON.

"I need scarcely assure you that, although I am personally unable to do all I contemplated in the work, my desires to see it effectually accomplished have suffered no diminution. If possible, I view it with greater interest, and a more thorough conviction of its vast im ortance. Changes in our mission and loss of strength have interfered with our itinerancy to some extent; still, we have not neglected the work. The great festival at Jugurnath was attended by several of the brethren, native and European; another party went in a different direction to a branch festival, on both of which occasions, numbers of copies of portions of the Sacred Scriptures were put into circulation.

"In August and September I was about a month travelling along the rivers in our neighborhood, with especial reference to the circulation of the Scriptures. During this season of the year, the channels of numerous streams, which present mere belts of sand in the hot months, are filled to overflowing, and I determined, though at some risk, to make an experimental tour by boat. I accordingly fitted up a flat-bottomed boat, built a house upon it, with leaf hurdles and a thatched roof, and first started for about a week. In this trip, accompanied by a native assistant, we went a considerable distance along the Katjuree, Sorooah and Deb rivers to the south-east of Cuttach. We visited most of the villages on the banks of these streams, leaving gospel tracts, and occasionally the New Testament or Gospel Harmony. Finding our plans succeed, we resolved on a longer trip to the north and north-east, and accordingly fitted up another boat, to accommodate four native brethren, and took our journey along the Beroopa, Gungotee, Brahmanee and Kelooa rivers. We visited the villages on both banks of these streams, and attended a number of markets scattered throughout the whole of our tract. We thus were enabled to put into extensive circulation large numbers of Gospels, copies of the Acts, Psalms, New Testaments and Gospel Harmony. We endured some fatigue and exposure; but, on a review of the journey, I esteem it one of the most useful I have been permitted to undertake.

"In November we all journeyed to Berhampore for our annual conference. This station is about 130 miles south of Cuttach. During our session a man was baptized whose case well illustrates the usefulness of these journeys and of Scripture distribution. About three or four years ago the Southern brethren, in coming to conference, distributed a number of Gospels in the neighborhood of the Chilka lake. This man obtained, through the medium of another person, the Gospel by John. He was then a dark idolater. but the reading of this book somewhat enlightened his mind. He then begged of a neighbor a volume of our practical tracts, which enabled him to read his book with greater profit. While his mind was thus exercised the cholera visited his village and many died. His own wife was attacked, but instead of yielding to the remonstrances of his neighbors to use heathen remedies and propitiate the gods, he replied that that gracious Lord who gave back to Mary and Martha their deceased brother, could save his wife, and in Him he would trust. He did so, and his wife recovered. He had never seen a missionary nor a Christiau; but soon after, two native brethren, being in his vicinity, heard of him and found him out. They introduced him to Mr. Stebbins, who gave him suitable advice. He had many difficulties to encounter, but he struggled on, and while we

were at conference broke away from his home, friends and caste, and travelled to Berhampore-some fifty miles. The detail of his experience was most interesting and satisfactory, and none could forbid water that he should be baptized. Details of his case may be forwarded hereafter. He is now deprived of wife, children and property: how far he will obtain redress remains to be decided. He is by profession a cloth weaver.

"At the above-named conference it was agreed to print 5000 copies of the Gospel by Mark, if funds allowed.

"Also, a small selection of the poetical portions of Scripture, to be printed in Sanscrit and Orissa on opposite pages. The edition to consist of 2000 copies, to be edited by brethren Sutton and Buckley. "I have thought it right to make a small attempt at colporteurage in an adjoining district. Having a native brother who promised fair for usefulness, though not a regular preacher, I felt it right to employ him on a small salary of two dollars a month, to perambulate the Ashgur rapiary, in which our flourishing Choga church is situated. It was the rainy season, and he could not work so well as in the dry weather; nevertheless, I thought him worth his pay. He also accompanied me on the before-mentioned journey, and is now out to the eastward of Cuttach with Mr. Stubbins. Besides his own pay, there will be a little extra for a Cooley to assist in carrying his books, cooking utensils, bedding, &c. I am anxious to try the plan fully, and endeavor to ascertain how far it may be desirable to adopt and extend it, and whether separately or in connection with general missionary labors. When our cold season labors are completed, I will glean whatever of Meantime, with my warmest Christian remembrance, believe me A. SUTTON.

"Here I must close for to-day. interest I can find and write again. yours, for Jesus' sake,

"P. S. From the 9th to 14th of last month, bro Stubbins and myself were engaged in a trip to a large festival at Boideswar, 40 miles up the Mahanuddee. We had a splendid opportunity of sending a good many books and tracts into the hill districts, as well as of preaching the Gospel to a crowd of hearers. I expect to join at another festival to the eastward about the 8th inst."

IN GERMANY

And contiguous portions of Europe, the good work of Bible publication and distribution, under the care of our esteemed bro. Oncken and his score of faithful colporteurs, has been continued with happy success, and on a large scale. As he is expected to be personally present with us at this anniversary, to portray the work and plead for its continuance, we may safely refrain from occupying our pages with a written statement of what has been suffered by persecution and interference of various kinds, which these beloved brethren have been called to endure; or what has been achieved, in spreading widely this year and the last, more than 100,000 copies of the Divine Word.

The above-mentioned expectation was frustrated by the appalling railroad accident, by which nearly fifty souls were in a moment hurried into eternity. Others suffered severely, of which number bro. Oncken was one. From his bed of pain he addressed the following letter to the Society.

LETTER FROM BROTHER ONCKEN.

To the Members and Directors of the American and Foreign Bible Society, assembled at Albany, May 16, 1853:

MUCH ESTEEMED AND BELOVED BRETHREN IN OUR COMMON SAVIOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST,The long cherished hope that, in the good providence of our Heavenly Father, I might be permitted to visit the shores of this free and highly favored country, and thus have an opportunity of being present at an Anniversary of your excellent Society, and then to pour out the grateful feeling of my heart to you for the valuable and efficient aid rendered to the German Mission, was on the point of being realized, when the awful catastrophe took place, on the 6th inst., at the place from which I now address you, and in which I was a sufferer. The effects of the injury which I then sustained will not permit me to appear in your assembly at the ensuing Anniversary. But it is the Lord who has chastened me. He is too wise to err and too good to be unkind; and though my hopes with reference to meeting with you are disappointed, he enables me to say, "Thy will be done.!" I have, indeed

abundant cause for gratitude; for, whilst death was reigning all around me, terminating the lives of many of my fellow travellers, the good hand of the Lord was over me for my protection, and my life was mercifully spared. Help me to adore the signal interposition of God in rescuing me. Help me by your prayers, that the great deliverance which I have received may accomplish that for which it was sent, and that I may devote myself more unreservedly to the work in which I am permitted to be engaged. I feel still too weak to add much more, and I would now, only in a few words, present to the Board and all the friends of the Society, the warmest and most grateful thanks for what you have done and are still doing for Germany, in the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom.

More than thirty thousand copies of the Holy Scriptures have, the last year, been circulated among Papists, and Protestants, and Jews, alike destitute of a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, at your expense. Between fifteen and twenty Bible Colporteurs, supported by your liberality, have, along with the circulation of the Scriptures, testified verbally and by the circulation of millions of religious tracts, that salvation is of grace, though faith, in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Millions, perishing for lack of knowledge, have thus been pointed to the only Mediator between God and man. Nor have these efforts been in vain. God has been faithful to his promise; his Word has not returned void; and many of our beloved brethren and sisters now constituting our churches, are blessing God, and will through all eternity bless him, for the labors of your Society on the continent of Europe.

But, beloved brethren, permit me to add that, whilst acknowledging your love and labor for my country in the past, your work is not yet completed. The Mission is extending on every hand, and God continues to bless our efforts in the conversion of many sinners and the increase of our churches. But what is a mission without the Bible! There may be other missions without the Bible. There can be no Baptist missions without the Bible. It is the Mission of the Bible; and we look to you with confidence to fill up this great and important want of our mission, in Germany and the adjacent countries.

I will speak freely to you, for I speak in the name of my Master. We expect, we hope, we plead. and we pray you, in the name and for the sake of our exalted Lord, to give us annually ten thousand dollars. We must do with less, if we cannot obtain that amount, but that is the sum required, if the opportunities now presented to circulate the Scriptures are to be properly improved, and the urgent demands for an increase of the number of Colporteurs are to be responded to.

NORWALK, Conn., 14th May, 1853.

J. G. ONCKEN.

[We have marked for insertion here, if room can possibly be found for them, the Journals of two of the twenty Colporteurs in our employ-one for a quarter of the year and the other for a month. As specimens of the usefulness of such labors, they will be interesting. Several of these men are now supported, either by an individual contributor furnishing from 100 to 150 dollars for each; or. by a Bible-class or Sunday school paying the requisite amount. In all such cases, if desired, we send the manuscript Journal of the Colporteur, when received, to the individual, or the class, or school sustaining him. These journals, we know, are thus read with great interest and profit.]

JOURNAL OF

- EHLERT, BIBLE COLPORTEUR AT ELBING.

FROM JULY 1 TO OCTOBER 1, 1852.

July 1st to 10th.-I sold 12 Bibles and 10 Testaments. On the 11th, although still weak from the effects of a recent illness, I was able to hold a meeting. The schoolmaster, Grabousky, was present; he called upon me the following day and bought a copy of our "Confession of Faith." He is diligently searching the Scriptures, and takes much interest in the circulation of our Bibles in his own circle of acquaintances.

13th.-Received Polish tracts from Allenstein; and in consequence of a letter received from the lady of the Consul-General, Von Place, sent her 1000 copies. In the same letter this lady inquires whether I can read Polish fluently, as she is anxious to have the Gospel made known to the Flusz. Polen, (Poles who live entirely on the river in barges,) on the plan of the Irish Scripture-readers, and offers a salary of fifteen dollars monthly, provided I will undertake to act as her missionary; she at the same time enjoins upon me to abstain from every thing sectarian in my instructions, and from trying to make proselytes for the Baptists. She concludes by requesting me to confer on the subject with Rev. Mr. Karman, and to send her an early reply. In answer to this letter, and to the points especially dwelt upon, I dispatched the following:

MADAM,-In reply to your favor of —— I beg to refer especially to the four conditions you state as essential to my acceptance of the engagement in question.

1st. With regard to my knowledge of Polish, I must say I can speak it better than read it, yet I have had sufficient instruction in the language to be able to read the Scriptures in Polish aloud.