Third Quarterly Circular of the Prudential Committee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

To all Foreign Mission Societies and other Benevolent Associations, &c. BELOVED BRETHREN, FRIENDS, AND HELPERS,

We have already addressed you on the interesting subject of the education of Heathen youth and children; and we have the satisfaction to know, that the attention of many, in the different parts of our country, is engaged to the object, and that not a little has already been done for promoting it. It is important that the present favourable disposition should be improved, and directed in the best manner. We have therefore thought it adviseable, in the present Circular, to make a concise statement in the way of preamble, and to give out a form of a constitution for the organization of societies, in aid of the Heathen School Fund. And we have only to request, very affectionately and respectfully, that such measures should be speedily adopted, and actively pursued, as the wisdom of our friends, in their associated and individual capacities, may deem the most suitable and effectual, in their respective circles, for advancing the great and benevolent design; always guarding with particular care that nothing be done to diminish or to discourage the contributions for the support of Missionaries, and the translation and dispersion of the Holy Scriptures.

With Christian salutations, we are your servants in the Gospel.

By order of the Prudential Committee,

Charlestown, Aug. 30, 1816.

S. WORCESTER, Clerk.

N. B. Perhaps some persons may prefer signing a subscription paper to the formality of a regular constitution.-In that case, an annual meeting, and the manner of collecting subscriptions, &c. can be provided for by votes of the subscribers.

PREAMBLE.

The American Missionaries at Bombay are ardently engaged in the object of educating heathen youth and children, many thousands of whom are growing up around them in most deplorable ignorance, corruption, and wretchedness. The whole expense of a school, which should contain fifty children, they say, might probably, on an average, be brought within the small compass of twelve dollars a month." A hundred, then, of these poor objects of pity and of charity might, for three hundred dollars a year, and a thousand for three thousand dollars, be taught reading, writing, and the various branches of our common school learning, and at the same time be instructed in the divine morality and religion of the Gospel. Thus educated, they would carry the Holy Scriptures into their respective families, and in a manner the most conciliating and the most engaging, communicate the knowledge of them to their parents, other relatives, and friends. Many of them might become teachers of Schools under missionary superintendence; and not a few, it were reasonable to hope, might, by the grace of God, and with additional instruction, be qualified for missionaries to preach the Gospel, and to disperse the translated word of life in the benighted regions of their country extensively.-The missionaries have already several heathen orphans to bring up in the way of domestic education, in Christian nurture and admonition, and forty or fifty children and youth in their mission school; and they most earnestly desire and plead for the means which will enable. them to extend the benefits of domestic education to many, and of school instruction to hundreds and thousands, and to furnish schools and families with copies of the Scriptures, and of selections from the Scriptures, in the vernacular languages ofthe country.

As soon as the missionaries, who last went out, are prepared to commence their operations at Ceylon, or elsewhere, they also will wish to be engaged in similar plans of education, and to be supplied with the requisite means

and as our missionary establishments shall be extended, mission schools will be multiplied, and the means of supporting and furnishing them will be wanted.

In our own country, the long neglected Indian Tribes, the lands of whose fathers we inherit, and who within the hemisphere of heavenly light, dwell in the shadow of death, earnesly call for the charitable aid of their white and more favoured brethren. The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions is engaged for their good. The plan is to establish schools, to be conducted by approved teachers, and superintended by approved missionaries, first in the Cherokee Tribe, and then successively in other tribes, for the purpose of instructing the children and youth in the English language, in the various branches of common school learning, in husbandry, and the arts of civilized life, and of imparting to them, at the same time, and through them to their parents and connexions, the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, of virtue and true happiness, of glory and honour and immortality. Official assurance has been received that the President of the United States "approves of the undertaking, and will direct such aid to be given as the laws will permit." "In the first instance,' says the Secretary of War, "the Agent, (for Indian affairs) will be directed to erect a comfortable school house, and another for the teacher and such as may board with him, in such part of the nation as will be selected for the purpose. He will also be directed to furnish two ploughs, six hoes, and as many axes, for the purpose of introducing the art of cultivation among the pupils. Whenever he is informed that female children are received, and brought into the school, and that a female teacher has been engaged, capable of teaching them to spin, weave, and sew, a loom and half a dozen spinning wheels, and as many pair of cards will be furnished. He will be directed from time to time, to cause other school houses to be erected, as they shall become necessary, and as the expectation of ultimate success shall justify the expenditure."

The Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, a missionary in whom great confidence is reposed, is already gone forward to prepare for an establishment: one teacher is engaged, and others are expected soon to be engaged to go out and commence the work. The business is intended to be conducted upon an ample scale, with energy and perseverance.

To raise a tribe of our fellow-beings from barbarism to civilization, from the wretchedness of heathenism to the exalted privileges and hopes of Christianity, must be an attempt most worthy of Christian benevolence, an achievement most honourable to the Christian name.-And when the tribe, thus to be raised, resides within our own borders, the object cannot fail deeply to interest the feelings, and efficaciously to engage the liberalities of the American public.

CONSTITUTION.

After weighing the foregoing considerations, we the subscribers, do acknowledge it to be our duty to bear a part in diffusing the light and blessings of Christianity among the heathen. For this purpose we agree to the following articles.

1. We form ourselves into an Association to be called the Heathen School Society of

2. All the subscriptions and donations of this Society shall be remitted to the Treasurer of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, or some agent of the Board, to be expended by said Board in the education of heathen children and youth, with a particular view to the diffusion of the Gospel.

3. We agree to pay annually the sums annexed to our respective names, -until we shall give to the collector written notice of our withdrawing from the Society.

4. There shall be an annual meeting of the Society, at which a Collector, and such other officers as the Sociely shall think proper, shall be chosen. 5. There shall be an annual sermon delivered before the Society, if circumstances permit.

The value of the Holy Scriptures.

SOME have frivolously attempted to show their high regard for the Bible, by expensively adorning it with silver, gold, and gems. Others, with superstitious credulity, have carried it about with them as a sort of mystical spell, to protect them from demons and all kinds of dangers; or laid it under their pillows as a certain cure for inveterate diseases. Reader, do you not smile at these instances of childish and pitiable weakness? Yet we may safely assert, that the Bible possesses a sacred charm, capable of preserving us from ten thousand mischiefs and miseries; but its efficacy arises from the exercise of faith, not from the dreams of fancy. Thy word," says the Psalmist, "have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."

The Scriptures are valuable to the Christian as a Directory. We are involved in darkness; exposed to error and delusion. The Bible reveals those important, truths which unassisted reason could never have discovered. With this Directory, you may enter and explore that world within, which, to most men, is as unknown as the regions of the Moon. How many hideous and abominable idols, how many vile detestable thieves and robbers lodge in the secret chambers of the heart, which ought to be consecrated as a holy temple for God!

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With this Directory, you may cheerfully pursue your journey through the wilderness to the promised land. Many ways marked out by vain philosophy, and covered with the flowers of learning and eloquence, still lead to perdition. Would you be preserved from the paths of the destroyer, follow the infallible guide prepared for you. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet," says the Psalmist. This lamp is always ready trimmed; and since the days of David, it has been furnished with a fresh supply of oil, by which it gives a clearer light, and discovers every frightful snare. Take it with you, and say, Lord, thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. With this Directory, you may fearlessly pursue your voyage over the ocean of life, to the fair haven of eternal rest. Here is your compass, which is liable to no variation; but at all times, and in all climates, constantly points to that city whose Builder and Maker is God. The inspired book is your chart, in which the fatal rocks, and quicksands, and whirlpools, that have proved the ruin of thousands, are accurately marked, that they may be shunned.

The Scriptures are valuable to the Christian as a Repository. The Bible resembles what Hezekiah calls "the house of his percious things." Isaiah xxxix. 2.

"Thy

The Bible is a Repository of spiritual food. Here is milk for babes, and strong meat for those who are able to receive it. Here is manna that never perishes, and honey that never cloys. word," saith the prophet, was found, and I did eat it; and thy word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart."

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The Bible is a Repository of spiritual medicine. The Scriptures are able to disperse the tumours of pride, to extract the stings of envy, and to heal the gangrene of malice. Here you find the true aqua vite, or water of life: a cordial to revive you when faint and weary. There is no spiritual malady for which you may not here obtain a remedy; no poison for which it contains not an antidote.

The Bible is a Repository of spiritual armour.

Do not startle

at the thought of enemies; for, as a Christian, you must fight the good fight of faith; but you are not sent on a warfare unprepared; for the Captain of salvation has furnished you with a breast-plate, helmet, shield, and sword. With these well-tempered arms you shall be able to hold fast your profession, and defeat all the confederate powers of earth and hell.

The Bible is a Repository of spiritual treasures. Compared with them, all the gold of Peru and Mexico,---all the pearls and gems of the East, are but dross. Robert, king of Sicily, said he valued the Bible more than his crown; and if he were compelled to part with one, his diadem should go. Let then the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, that you may be thoroughly prepared for every good work.

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B. I. T.

The Christian's Daily Monitor. RISE in the morning early:---in holy aspirations, heavenly contemplations, and devout thanksgivings rise !---Higher and. higher rise!

ENGAGE in all the duties of the day with scriptural sobriety, magnanimity, and zeal ---in the exercises of the closet be conscientious, devotional, and unwearied :---in domestic concerns be economical and methodical :---in worldly engagements and transactions be upright, prudent and diligent ;---in benevolent exertions, be unostentatious and liberal;---in sanctuary-services be regular, attentive, and in earnest to obtain the blessing;---in all manner of conversation be chaste, courteous, cheerful, and irreproachable.

RETIRE from the ordinances of God's house---from the business of the day---and from all the cares of life---for examination, humiliation, and unreserved dedication to the Most High, of all, you have and owe for time and eternity. Phil i. 12. AN OLD DISCIPLE

Extract from the Second Annual Report of the Cincinnati Miami Bible Society.

Sept. 6, 1816.

Two years have not elapsed since this Society has been formed. It has purchased with its own funds 500 Bibles; received by donation from the Massachusetts Bible Society, 21 Bibles; also, from the Baltimore Bible Society, 100 Bibles and 25 New-Testaments; and in the present summer, 54 Bibles from the New-Jersey Bible Society, amounting in all to 675 Bibles and 25 NewTestaments. Of that number, about 298 Bibles and 13 Testaments are in the hands of your steward. Twenty Bibles have been presented to the Mill Creek Female Bible Society; 61 have been sold to the same society; 16 to the Female Bible Society of Labanon; and 48 to the Dayton Female Bible Society, at cost. The remainder have been either distributed to necessitous individuals, or placed in the hands of the Directors, or other proper persons for distribution.

The officers for the ensuing year are the following, to wit:---0. M. Spencer, President; Rev. James Kemper, 1st Vice-President; Rev. John Thompson, 2d Vice-President; Jesse Embree, Rec. Secretary; Rev. J. L. Wilson, Cor. Secretary; Rev. Wm. Burke, Treasurer.

OHIO BIBLE SOCIETY.

The Annual Meeting of this Society was held at Marietta, on Wednesday, the 4th Sept.

From the Report it appeared that considerable addition had been made to the funds of the institution, the year past with which had been purchased upwards of 600 Stereotype Bibles.

The Society has now distributed, and put in train for distribution, since its organization, 1816 Bibles, and 68 Testaments.

At this Meeting a resolution was passed, authorizing and direct ing the trustees to draw up a Circular (with a subscription proposal annexed) addressed to the Christian public; soliciting their aid in promoting the great object of this institution. The circular is now before the public.

The following gentlemen were appointed delegates to represent this Society in the General State Bible Society of Ohio, to meet in Chilicothe on the 18th of October inst.: viz. the Rev. Messrs. Timothy Harris, Thomas D. Baird, and Stephen Lindsly.

The British and Foreign Bible Society have granted to this Society the sum of £100 sterling.