mistaken view of the objects of a missionary society, and to be tinctured with a degree of prejudice which we regret to find in our intelligent contemporary. The primary object of a Christian missionary is,not to write books for the instruction or amusement of the literary world,-not to usurp the duties, however important in their way, of the scientific traveller, but to preach the Gospel,-to turn the heathen "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith*." The object of a missionary society is to provide for the outfit and support of the devoted men who are willing to spend and be spent in this noble work, which they must do by raising large funds, and administering them with prudence and discrimination. Were their funds appropriated to selfish or personal ends, any measures of “policy” that might be adopted to increase them, would fairly expose them to the imputation of "worldly-mindedness;" but, the purpose being what it is, we cannot but consider the term as unjustly applied. It is easy to declaim against "missionary agitation ;" but, it may be asked, would the directors of a missionary society, standing as they do between their agents in foreign lands and the Caristian public by whom they must be supportel, be doing their duty to sit coolly at their boar l-meetings, without taking any steps to meet a deficiency occasioned by the unwonted success of their operations? Notwithstanding the large and increasing income of the principal societies, the accounts of the last year alone show a deficiency in the funds of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, of more than 19,000l.; in those of the London Missionary Society, of between 12,000l. and 13,000.; and in those of the Church Missionary Society, of upwards of 8000l. This, assuredly, is a state of things calling for serious attention and strenuous exertion; and we question whether, in a case in which "worldly-mindedness" might be more fairly imputed, a little "policy" and "agitation" would be objected to.

But we have no desire to be captious, and will therefore proceed at once to the strictures upon missionary publications; which, although but a secondary object with the societies by whom, or under whose sanction, they are issued, form a highly important auxiliary to their operations, and might be made far more useful, in this respect, than they are at present. Commendable as may be the motives which have deterred the friends of missions from giving a more attractive appearance and character to their journals, such would probably have conduced much to their usefulness. The imputation of being "obviously addressed to the more credulous and ill-instructed portion of the community," it is needless to combat ; such an objection has often been laid against the inspired

*Acts xxvi. 18.

volume itself; and therefore it is not surprising to find it called forth by the simple, unadorned records of missionary difficulties and successes, of the unobtrusive triumphs of the cross of Christ in the conversion of the obscure heathen, the despised negro. But while we conceive such sweeping cen sure to be undeserved, we would gladly see an attempt made to interest a greater number of readers, by improvements in style and appearance. The Religious Tract Society may be referred to as a striking instance of the advantages arising from thus administering to a refined taste, without abandoning more important considerations. The early publications of that society, coarse and homely as was their appearance, were rendered instruments of good to many immortal souls; but it cannot be for a moment doubted that now, when its works are suitable for the elegant boudoir as well as the humble cottage, its usefulness is very greatly increased. Nor have the friends of missions been totally regardless of this matter, notwithstanding the indiscriminate censure implied in the remarks of the "Athenæum," as the lively interest excited by the beautiful work of the lamented Williams, in the minds of many who scarcely knew the meaning of the word missionary before its publication, may attest; and it is pleasing to observe that such works are increasing, so that an extensively-circu|lated and elegant missionary literature will ere long be in the hands of the public.

A conscientiously rigid adherence to the paramount duties of their office may deter, and probably has deterred, many missionaries from contributing as freely to the stock of general and scientific knowledge as they might have done; and the character of the journals issued by our missionary societies being what it is, it is very possible that their communications may, in some instances, have undergone something like the "winnowing" hinted at by the reviewer; the matter which he is pleased to distinguish as the "corn," being considered to be scarcely adapted for the publications of the society. In future such communications will find their place in the pages of the "Journal of Civilization." Enlarged views on this subject are gaining ground; and probably much more may be done in future in rendering the peculiar oppor tunities of missionaries available in collecting and diffusing general knowledge, and in disseminating the minor, yet valuable blessings of civilization, without in any degree lowering the sanctity of their office, or impeding their more important and legitimate efforts.

There is one other point touched upon by the reviewer which must not be passed entirely without notice. In reference to circumstances mentioned by Mr. Beecham to prove the improbability of success in Christianizing pagan lands, primarily or chiefly by native agency, it is observed, "If the 'eye and direction of European missionaries' be

evermore necessary, how, we repeat, is Africa to be converted, unless the negroes be trained like hop-plants, and be tied, every two or three of them, to a freshly-imported Wesleyan teacher? But the truth is, that missionary bodies are in general governed in their conduct by technical and ostentatious maxims, so adverse to every natural process of propagating a system of opinions,—they are so formal and so inflexible,-so unwilling to make any, even temporary, compromise with inveterate habits, or to convert by degrees, that they are sure to be always doing (which is perhaps their object), and never done. If missionary societies had existed from the commencement of our era, Christianity would have hardly reached by this time the British Isles." Before drawing any general inference from such individual cases as that of Quaque, mentioned by Mr. Beecham, and alluded to by the reviewer, so many circumstances must be taken into account, that it would occupy too much of our space now to enter upon the question. Surely the writer of the paragraph quoted above can never have read the narrative of the conversion of the South Sea Islanders from a state of barbarism to one of comparative civilization, while he can make such erroneous, not to say illiberal, assertions as those therein contained. But, to conclude, Missionary Societies, he observes, always doing, and never done." So it must be, while thousands, millions, are destitute of the blessings of Christianity. So it will be until the happy time predicted by the prophet, when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the

sea* "

are

PROGRESS OF BIBLE DIFFUSION IN THE

NORTHERN COUNTRIES.

DURING the past summer Dr. Pinkerton visited Wurtemberg, Switzerland, Alsace, and the Rhenish provinces of Bavaria. His communications show that changes for the better have taken place, and are occurring, in consequence of the distribution of the Scriptures. He writes:-"Our issues during the year amount to 55,828 copies, viz. Bibles, German Lutheran, 10,362; Polish, 206; Bohemian, 5,327; Hungarian, 2,000; Hebrew, 446; Italian, 452.-Testaments, German Lutheran, 12,842; ditto with Psalms, 5,031; Polish, for Protestants, 343; German, for Roman Catholics, 10,532; Polish, for Roman Catholics, 1,300; Bohemian, 201; Lithuanian, 398; Wendish, for Protestants, 100; Hungarian, 5,000; Italian, 131; Hebrew, Pentateuchs, 109; and in English, French, Russ, &c. : 1,043 copies.

"The net amount of proceeds, after deducting expenses, is £1,389 16s. 6d., being the largest income which we ever had, and the number of copies issued is greater than that of the preceding year. The sum of distributions during my ten years' residence * Isaiah, vi. 9.

325

in this central situation is 501,302 copies; and though we are only permitted now and then to learn the beneficial effects of the sacred word which British Christians have furnished, yet we are fully persuaded that a mighty impulse has thereby been given to the advancement of religion and morality. The more general introduction of the Scriptures into schools, both among Protestants and Catholics, is a marked feature in our operations; a large proportion of our issues has been applied to meet this object, and many a village school has been furnished with Bibles and Testaments.

"On a review of the operations of Bible Societies in different parts of Germany, we have evidence of a growing demand for the Scriptures, especially in Protestant countries, and it is pleasing to observe the augmenting efforts which are making to meet these calls. Our circulation among Roman Catholics is still circumscribed; yet there are many enlightened men among them who correspond with us, and are diligently supplying the families and schools of their flocks with Testaments, drawn from the stores of our Society.

"In Prussia evangelical truth continues rapidly to gain ground, and is now, since the accession of the present king to the throne, powerfully aided by Government itself.

"A contest which has broken out in Bremen between the Neologion and evangelical parties, occasioned by two discourses preached by Dr. Krummacher, of Elberfeld, has already produced beneficial effects, inasmuch as it has drawn forth a public confession from twenty-two of the pastors of that town and its territory in favour of Gospeltruth. In Hamburgh, Magdebourg, the Palatinate of Bavaria, &c., similar conflicts are casting light upon the religious state of Protestant Germany; the hidden principles of men's hearts are made manifest, and the line of demarcation between evangelical doctrines and neology is becoming more distinct. It will prove gratifying to the friends and supporters of the Bible Society in Britain, to know that their efforts in the cause of truth are gratefully appreciated in many parts of this country. To the Society's old and valued correspondent in Berlin, Mr. Elsner, upwards of 4,000 copies have been entrusted. Lord Bexley, at the request of the committee, addressed a letter of condolence to his MAJESTY FREDERICK WILLIAM IV., KING OF PRUSSIA, on the occasion of the decease of his royal father, who had proved himself a warm friend of the Bible Society. His Majesty was pleased to send the following letter in reply :—

"Highly esteeming the British and Foreign Bible Society as an institution whose truly beneficial influence extends to all the nations of the earth, I sincerely thank its committee for the expression of their sympathy, and for their pious wishes contained in their letter of the 4th of last month, and I rejoice in the further assurance that the Society

bears in grateful remembrance what the king my father, now with God, did toward promoting the circulation of the Divine word. I should regard the advancement of the cause of the Bible as a valuable legacy bequeathed to me, were it not already an object of my warm affection and duty; and it is gratifying to me to know, that, in this respect, the committee place confidence in me. May a God of infinite goodness continue, as heretofore, to accompany the pious endeavours of the Bible Society with His richest blessings!

"FREDERICK WILLIAM.

"Sans Souci, Oct. 25, 1840."

Iceland.-Dr. Henderson writes

"The Rev.

John Jonson, of Dunhage, in the north of Iceland,

states, that a new version of the Icelandic Bible is now being printed on the island, but there is reason to fear that the poverty of the greater portion of the population will not allow of their purchasing copies, since the price bound will be eight silver dollars a copy. The size, I presume, is quarto, and the type large; as the Icelanders are, for the most

part, obliged to read by lamp-light."

Sweden. During this year a Bible jubilee will be celebrated in this country, in commemoration of the first edition of the Bible in Swedish, which appeared in 1541. The pious, talented, and zealous Archbishop Wingard has already drawn general attention to this matter, and everything he can do will, no doubt, be done to make this a memorable Bible year.

Russia. For the benefit of Fins residing in Russia, the agency have requested to have 5000 copies of the Testament placed at their disposal. They have been authorized to undertake a new edition of the Finnish Testament, to consist of 25,000 copies.

DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

IN the great cause of Christian civilization no instruments are so trifling-no class of persons so unimportant as to be without the sphere of utility. There is a moral chain extending throughout society, every link of which may be made to contribute to that strength which results from civilization; and in order that society may feel the full benefit of moral advancement, the poor, the obscure, the subordinate, must share it in common with the wealthy, the famed, and the widely influential. The efforts which have been and are now being made to advance the moral and social condition of the poor, the efforts which are being directed to the implanting, in young minds, of principles which will guide them happily through life, we do not intend here to treat on; but there is one large class of persons in England whose importance as moral agents is not sufficiently appreciated; we mean domestic servants.

When we consider the manner in which servants are situated with respect to the families in which they live, we can hardly doubt that a powerful influence may be and is possessed by them. They become in many cases the depositories of important family matters, which could not be publicly known without producing serious injury; they are often necessarily entrusted with property, of various kinds and in various ways, the misapplying of which might produce abundant evil; they are the instruments whereby "home," that greatest of all comforts in England, acquires many of its attractions in cleanliness, neatness, and order; and, which is perhaps most important of all, they exert a powerful influence on children of both sexes, who are in a considerable degree under their charge. It is wrong, both to employers and to servants, to regard quantity and kind of work: they are, and ought to the latter merely as machines, hired to do a certain be, something more than this; they are moral agents, whose sphere of operation, though not always apparent even to the individuals most con

cerned, is large and important.

If this be the case, it behoves us to inquire how the influence thus possessed by domestic servants tage and the welfare of others; and how far English may best be made conducive to their own advansociety has already taken measures in the advancement of this desirable object. Perhaps our purpose may best be answered by considering, one by one, several different matters connected with the position occupied by servants.

modity to sell, may expose it in his shop-window, First, as to hiring.—A tradesman, who has a combut those who have only their personal services to or carry it from door to door in hope of a customer; dispose of are very differently placed. Where newspapers are plentiful, as in England, a system of advertising is acted on to a considerable extent; or where population is dense, as in great cities, and families keep up a good deal of intercourse one with another, the wants, both of employers and of employed, become to a great extent known. But. in country places neither of these methods is so available; and we may thus probably trace the origin of statute-fairs, in which personal services are exposed for hire just in the same way as commodities are exposed for sale. In our own day the distinction between different kinds of servants is very broadly marked, and farm-servants, to whom any remarks respecting statute-fairs principally apply, are not what we are now accustomed to call domestic servants. But in country places this difference is much less observable than in towns, and was formerly less so everywhere than at present. Sir F. M. Eden, who wrote on the state of the poor in 1797, tells us that in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Berkshire, servants were accustomed at that time to attend the mopp or statute (i. e. Michaelmas fair) in order to be hired. Each