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that they are Israelites from tradition, and from their observance of peculiar rites.

"A copy of the scriptures, belonging to the Jews of the East, who might be supposed to have no communication with the Jews in the West, has been long a desideratum with Hebrew scholars. In the coffer of a synagogue of the Black Jews, in the interior of Malayala, there has been found an old copy of the law, written on a roll of leather. The skins are sewed together, and the roll is about fifty feet in length. It is in some places worn out, and the holes have been patched with pieces of parch

ment.

"Some of the Jews suppose that this roll came originally from Senna, in Arabia; others have heard that it was brought from Cashmir. The Cabul Jews, who travel annually into the interior of China, say, that in some synagogues, the law is still found written on a roll of leather; not on vellum, but on a soft flexible leather, made of goat skins, and dyed red; which agrees with the description of the roll abovementioned.

"Such of the Syriac and Jewish manuscripts as may, on examination, be found to be valuable, will be deposited in the public libraries of the British universities.

"The princes of the Deccan have manifested a liberal regard for the extension of Shanscrit learning by furnishing lists of books in their temples for the college of Fort William, in Bengal. His excellency, the Rajah of Tanjore, was pleased to set the example, by giving the voluminous catalogue of the ancient library of the kings of Tanjore; and his example has been followed by the Ranny of Ramnad, patroness of the celebrated temple of Ramisseram, near Adam's Bridge; by his Highness, the Rajah of Travancore, who has given lists of all the books in the Travancore country; and by the Rajah of Cochin, patron of the ancient Shanscrit college at the temple of Trichiur. It is understood that a copy of any book in these catalogues will be given when required. The Brahmins of Travancore consider that their manuscripts are likely to have as just a claim to high antiquity, or at least to accurate preservation, as those in the temples in

the north and for the same reason that the Christian and Jewish records have been so well preserved; which is, that the country of Travancore, defended by mountains, has never, according to tradition, been subjugated by invaders from the north of Hindostan.

"The design of investigating the history and literature of the Christians and Jews in the East was submitted to the Marquis Wellesley, before he left India. His lordship, judging it to be of importance that the actual relation of the Syrian Christians to our own church should be ascertained, and auguring something interesting to the republic of letters, from the investigation of the Syriac and Jewish antiquities, was pleased to give orders that public aid should be afforded to Dr. Buchanan, in the prosecution of his inquiries wherever it might be practicable. To the operation of these orders it is owing that the proposed researches, of which some slight notices are given above, have not been made in vain.

"Cochin, January, 1807.”

To the foregoing intelligence, originally from the London Evangelical Magazine, copied into the Panoplist from the Christian's Magazine, the Editors subjoin the following information on the same subject, from the Appendix of Dr. Cotton Mather's Election sermon of May 29, 1700.

THE President of Harvard College in New England, having written to the learned Dr. Leusden, the Hebrew Professor at Utrecht, a true and brief account of what has been done towards the gospellising our American Indians; that letter was published not only in the Latin Tongue, wherein it was written, but also in the French, the High Dutch, the Hungarian, and other tongues; and gave much satisfaction to the churches of the reformation in many nations.

On this occasion, (and because that letters had requested satisfaction in this point) the Professor of Utrecht has published an extract of diverse letters from credible and reverend persons in the East Indies relating

the success of the gospel, with which the Dutch Protestant ministers in those remote regions have seen their holy labours rewarded. A Seminary (or College) erected at Malabar, for the education of young men, to be made proponents and pastors, is, it seems, of no little consequence to the evangelical interest. But more particularly.

D. Hermannus Specht, minister in Colombo, writes,

"In the kingdom of Jaffanapatnam, there were found in the year, 1684, one hundred and forty one thousand, four hundred and fifty six of the natives, converted unto the Christian religion. And within four years more, there were forty thousand more added unto the number."

D. Adrianus de Mey, minister of the gospel, and president of the college there erected, writes,

"The young men of Malabar, in the college there erected, are diligent, and make notable progress in the Dutch tongue. In one year's time they learn to read and write. They know how to pray as the Christians do; and they can recite, by heart, the questions in Borstius's little book, and translate them out of the Dutch tongue into that of Malabar. They also sing Psalms in our church. I hope God will bestow his grace upon them, and fill them with his Spirit, that so these young men may, in time, prove blessed instruments to propagate the kingdom of Christ among these Heathens."

[Jaffanapatnam, Jan. 22, 1692. D. Franciscus Valentinus, minister of the gospel at Amboina, writes,

"It hath pleased the most high God to send me unto the service of the East India churches in Amboina, in the chief city whereof the Reverend Cornelius Vander Sluys of Utrecht, fed about thirty thousand souls, preaching the word of God, with singular alacrity and invincible labour, among the Pagans.

God

hath given him to convert both Pagans and Mahometans (for here are many Mahometans) and bring into subjection unto Christ, those that were miserably perishing in their errors. An hundred infants at a time are sometimes here baptised, who, as they grow up, give notable proofs of their diligence, and ingenuity, and

piety. Religion flourishes here; the colleges also flourish: God is known, and by the Pagans worshipped; and abandoning the gods, which their ancestors worshipped, and taught them to do so, these once most su perstitious Amboinians_not only embrace the worship of the true God, but even the Mahometans also, (which is wonderful!) desiring to be baptised, most gladly give themselves up unto the Lord Jesus Christ, and obey his laws."

[Amboina iv. 1d. Jan. 1686. Monsieur Jarieu adds hereupon, Omnino nostrorum interest, ut hæc omnibus patefiant, et in publicum evulgentur.

GREAT BRITAIN.

Mr.

MR. Bower has made considerable progress in a work which is intended to exhibit a complete delineation of the life of Luther, and of the effects of that life upon the great revolution to which he has given a name. Bower has explored the original and voluminous documents respecting Luther, with which his own times, and those immediately succeeding, abounded; he has carefully analysed the whole of Luther's writings: and is persuaded that the materials which he has collected furnish much information which has not hitherto been laid before the British public, respecting the character and progress of this extraordinary man, respecting the gradual formation of his mind during the period of his education, the gradual expansion of his views during his efforts for the reformation of the church; and the character which the peculiarity of his mind stamped upon the reformation itself.

Mr. G. Guttleib is preparing for the press, an account of his travels in North America, in the years 1806 and 1807. The work will be illustrated with a considerable number of wood cuts. [Anthology.

UNITED STATES.

A REPORT of the trial of Aaron Burr, late Vice President of the U. States. By David Robertson, Esq. There are two reports of this interesting trial. This is the edition

printed under the superintendence of the reporter, by Hopkins & Earle of Philadelphia. The character and abilities of the reporter are well known to the American public. The council on both sides have given the preference to this edition, and we believe have, without exception, given certif icates to this effect. The work will be comprised in two vols. 8vo. at six dollars. The subscribers in the eastern states are requested to call at Farrand, Mallory, and Co. Suffolk Buildings, in Boston, for their sets as advertised.

Bonaparte's last Campaigns in Prussia, Saxony, Poland, &c. ornamented with engravings exhibiting the likeness of Bonaparte, King and Queen of Prussia, and Emperor of

Russia. A translation of this work by Samuel Mackay, A. M. is now completed. To those who feel any interest in the fate of modern Europe, this work will be highly interesting; it comprises biographical sketches of all the principal personages employed by the great contending powers; it gives a minute detail of every battle, and an abridgment of the history of the battles and sieges, which have taken place in the seven years' war, on the identical spots where the French armies have lately signalized their arms. The talents of the translator are so well known in the literary world, that any comments on his style of writing would be superfluous. It is now in the press of Farrand, Mallory, & Co. and will be published shortly.

List of New Publications.

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The question of War with Great Britain, examined upon Moral and Christian principles; a sermon. ton, Snelling & Simons. 14, price 12 1-2 cts.

8vo.

PP.

An Oration, delivered before the Medical Society of South Carolina, at their anniversary meeting, December 24, 1807, and published at their request. By Joseph Johnson, M. D. President of the Medical Society of South Carolina.

A Sermon, preached at Trinity church, in Boston, on Fast day, April 7, 1808. By J. S. J. Gardner, A. M. rector of Trinity church. Boston. Munroe & Francis.

Steadfast adherence to the oracles of God, as the only rule of Christian faith and duty, an indispensable qual

ification for the ministerial office. A® Sermon, preached at the ordination of the Rev. Avery Williams, to the pastoral care of the Congregational church and Society in Lexington, Dec. 30, 1807. By Samuel Kendal, D. D. minister of the Congregational church and society in Weston. Boston. Munroe & Francis.

Hymns, selected from the most approved authors, for the use of Trinity church. Boston. Munroe & Francis.

A summary view of the evidence and practical importance of the Christian revelation; in a series of discourses to young persons. By Thomas Belsham. Boston. Munroe, Francis & Parker.

Hartley on the truth of the Christian religion. Boston. Munroe, Francis & Parker.

Psalms, Hymus, and Spiritual Songs; selected and designed for the use of the church universal, in public and private devotion. With an appendix, containing the original hymns, omitted in a former edition. Boston. Munroe, Francis & Parker.

Ruin, or Separation from AntiChrist. A Sermon preached in Byfield, April 7, 1808, on the annual Fast in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By Elijah Parish, D. D. Minister of Byfield. Newburyport.

E. W. & W. B. Allen.

The Christian Monitor, No. 7. Boston. Munroe, Francis & Parker. Beauties of the Children's Friend, being a selection of interesting pieces, from that celebrated author, Berquin. Intended to promote a love of truth and virtue. For the use of schools. By the author of the Child's First Book. Boston. Manning & Loring and Lemuel Blake.

Shakespeare's Works, Vol.. vi. and No. 12. Boston. Munroe, Francis, & Parker.

A Discourse delivered March 13, 1808, in consequence of the death of Deacon Thomas Thompson, who departed March 7th, in the 66th year of his age. By Samuel Spring, D. D. Newburyport. E. W. Allen.

A Sermon, preached at Hopkinton, on Lord's day, Feb. 28, 1808. Occasioned by the death of three persons, the week preceding the time of its delivery. By Nathanael Howe, A. M. pator of the church. Boston. Lincoln & Edmands.

Obituary.

MEMOIRS OF MISS SUSANNA WILKINS,

Who died at Milford, N. MISS Susanna Wilkins was grand child of the Rev. Mr. Wilkins, first minister of Amherst, N.H. She was born at Amherst, 1782. Possessing more than common abilities, and considerable advantages, she was disposed to employ them all for the acquisition of useful science. Her information secured her from superstition and bigotry. Great pains were taken, particularly by her grandmother, to instruct her in the true principles of Christianity, in which she early made uncommon proficiency. As her mother died while she was young, she occasionally resided at her uncle's, Deacon Samuel Wilkins, in Amherst, and at her uncle's, Mr. Moses Towns, Milford, where she died. For several years previous to her death, she instructed a school in the summer season, in which employ. ment she gave universal satisfaction, and was very useful to the rising generation.

The summer before her death she gave more serious attention to religion. Although she had been

blameless and amiable in her outward deportment, she was brought to cry out, Oh wretch that I am! I have offended my God and Saviour. Her nights were spent in anxious cares and her days in trouble. Did any ask her, why those anxious looks, and those distressing sighs? Her answer was, I have offended my Redeemer. Thus was this inoffensive youth distressed by a view of her depraved heart.

H. Feb. 1807, aged 27.

About this time she was seized with a lingering illness, which, the following winter, put a period to her life. Though the distress of her body and mind was often great and almost insupportable, yet the Lord was faithful and kind, and turned her trouble into joy. In transport she cried to her friends, to praise the goodness of God. From that time to her death she never groaned or sighed on account of her bodily distress, being constantly supported by assurance of hope and confidence in God. Many, who stood round her, were astonished at the words which she spake ; but all confessed that she was happy in religion, and spoke the words of truth and soberness.

She was sensible of her approaching dissolution, but was not in the least dismayed, declaring that she realized the joys of heaven. As she drew nigh to death, she appeared more sensible that it was her duty to make an open profession of religion. She said, I long to commune with my dear Redeemer at his table. It would give me greater union to him, and I could come to him in prayer with greater freedom and boldness. Sabbath before her decease she was propounded as a candidate for admission into the church at Milford. As she was unable to go to the house of worship, the minister attended in the evening at her residence, where she was admitted as a member of the church, and partook of the Lord's sup

per. After this she observed to her friends, that she should live but a few hours, and that she had no desire to stay any longer from her beloved Jesus. She continued in a very benevolent and pious frame till Monday morning, when she expired.

About a week before her death, she requested her grave clothes to be prepared, in every part of which she directed with as much composure as though it had been for a journey, constantly remarking, that she had great desire to depart and be with her dear Redeemer.

"Thus died the amiable Miss Wilkins, witnessing to the truth of religion, and to the operation of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of sinners, and leaving to her friends the pleasing hope, that she will be forever with the Lord.

EUPHIA.

DIED at Paris, (N. York) the 28th of March, 1808, in the 67th year of age, the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, for more than forty years a distinguished Missionary among the Oneida Indians.

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THE Communications of Erastus and Omicron are very acceptable to the Editors. A continuance of their correspondence is solicited.

Pastor is necessarily omitted. Several reviews and other communications are received and under consideration.

Thelesus, abridged, shall appear in a future number.

We invite the attention of our readers to the important intelligence from India. To give room for the whole of it, we have added a half sheet to this number; the next will contain but five half sheets, exclusive of the table of contents, title, &c.

The Editors are engaged in closing their accounts for the current year, and making their arrangement for the next. Agents and subscribers are requested to settle their accounts with the agent in Boston.

Errata. In the No. for November, Vol. III. p. 271, for Van Sissart, read Van Sittart. p. 274, Maupertus, read Marpertuis-D'Argent, read D'Argens. No. for Jan. p. 339. Sarbonne read Sorbonne.

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