portunity is lost for the introduction of remarks in opposition to the generally received opinions as to the design of Christ's death. The volumes before us are accordingly replete with explanations of that great fact, which are intended to deprive it of every kind and degree of importance as a sacrifice for sin. It was a confirmation of his mission; it ratified the new covenant; it had other uses, but no direct moral relation to the sins and the forgiveness of mankind. In this last sense we are satisfied that it ought to be regarded; and we rejoice in this great expedient of mercy for the guilty. It would have been easy for the Apostles to describe the death of Christ as being in confirmation of his mission, had that been its end; but they have not so described it, and the miracles which Christ wrought, were the proper and designed proofs of his mission. The ratification of the new covenant, is an expression which we are willing to understand, if it were intelligibly explained to us, as the effect of the death of Christ; but we cannot perceive that the New Testament attributes to the death of Christ the office of introducing mankind into a state of external privilege. The Apostles use with great frequency expressions relative to the death of Christ, which describe it as a sacrifice for sin; and these expressions they do not use as occasional illustrations of a subject; they do not occur in their writings as allusions, but as exhibitions of a doctrine, as declarations of a fact, and in the most intimate connexion with the vouchsafement of Divine mercy to the guilty, and as the basis of their faith and hope. "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith "in his blood," (Rom. iii. 25,) is rendered by Mr. Belsham, and in the Improved Version, "whom God hath set forth as a "mercy-seat in his own blood;" and we are told by both, that the word to uniformly signifies a propitiatory or "mercy-seat," but never propitiation. If we produce from 1 John ii. 2. iv. 10, the very. word which undeniably means a propitiation, acuos, then we are told that Christ is a propitiation, as, by his gospel, he brings sinners to repentance. Doesλaus, propitiation, ever mean to bring sinners to repentance? Or would it be so understood by the contemporary readers of the apostolic epistles? We think not. But, if piov, should mean “a "mercy-seat," the "mercy-seat" signified nothing to the offender, but as it exhibited the blood of the victim that had been sacrificed. The mercy of God, in the forgiveness of the sins of men, is exercised in the removing of moral disqualifications, and in the restoring of mankind to a moral capacity of felicity and union to God. Now, in the New Testament, the death of Christ takes away sin-reconciles man to God-procures, and is the pledge of everlasting redemption. These great moral benefits are ascribed to the death of Christ; which we may well understand, if his death was a true propitiation for the sins of men. But, if that were not the design of it, then, to us it would appear altogether unaccountable, that the language of the New Testament is thus special and exclusive, and that the sacred writers have not used the indefinite phraseology which Unitarians employ on the subject; that they have not ascribed the greatest benefits which mankind receive from Christ, to his miracles, or his ministry, or his doctrine, or his example. (To be concluded in our next.) Literary and Philosophical Intelligence. Pot and Pearl Ash.-These are important and valuable articles of our northern manufactories, the source of very considerable profit and advantage to our com merce, whether our ashes find their way out of the ports of the United States or through Lower Canada. Every thing connected with the manufacture and sale of these articles should meet with prompt attention. In one of the late numbers of Tilloch's Philosophical Magazine, the following discovery is announced : "I observed," says he, "many years ago, that I expected to see the powers of galvanism in one shape or other a necessary appendage to the apparatus of every bleach field. Subsequently, I stated that I considered all alkalies, alkaline earths and substances, were modifications of the same base, and that one day I hoped to see our potash taken from the lime rock of our own soil, instead of deflagrating the woods of America. After many a varied experiment, I have completely succeeded, and have now rendered myself and my country, so far as regards bleaching, perfectly independent of every foreign aid, and at an expense comparatively trifling." If the lime rock properly prepared has been found to answer for bleaching, it will make a material alteration in the sale of our pot and pearl ashes, and the subject requires almost immediate attention. Succedaneum for Leeches.-M. Salandiere, physician, has invented an instrument to serve as a succedaneum for leeches. It possesses considerable advantages, measuring exactly the quantity of blood to be taken, causing the fluid to move with greater or less rapidity on a determinate scale, and producing an effect called by physicians resolving, much superior to the leech. It has nothing to disgust like these animals, excites little or no pain, may be used in all countries, and in all seasons. Cheap mode of preserving Anatomical Preparations.-It has been usual to employ, for this purpose, spirits of wine, somewhat above proof, which is very ex pensive. It has, however, been ascertained, by Mr. Cook, of London, that a saturated solution of muriate of soda, (common salt) answers the purpose equally well, and this solution, about three pounds of salt to the gallon, costs a very trifling sum. Mr. Cooke has received from the Society of Arts, for this discovery, the Society's medal. Stones useful to Land.-In the book of Isaiah it is said, "My well beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill; and he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it," &c. Mr. Arthur Young, in his Farmer's Calendar, says, "It has been often remarked, and is a known fact, that too much stone picking has done a very sensible mischief, in many places, where picked by authority of parliament for turnpike roads." He then states an experiment made in Suffolk, upon three contiguous rods of ground, one of which was left with the usual quantity of stones, whilst they were gathered off the second, and put upon the third; so that there were the usual the double, and the deficient quantity of stones, when the crop upon the double proved the best, and the deficient the worst. But in the above case from Isaiah it is to be observed, that it was upon the first making of a vineyard on the side of a hill or mountain, where the stones were, probably, very large ones, which had been shivered and rolled down from the higher parts; in which case it would certainly be advisable to gather them up, and they would serve for the fence, or wall. Improved mode of Printing Copper Plates.-A late number of the Annales de Chimie, treating on the progress of French industry, announces a discovery by M. Gonord, by the adoption of which, engraved plates of a large size may be adapted to an edition in octavo, without any reduction of the copper from whence the impression is obtained. Heligious Intelligence. FOREIGN. From the Missionary Herald. MISSION IN CEYLON-TILLIPALLY. Extracts from Mr. Poor's Journal. Oct. 15, 1821.-This day commences the sixth year of my residence at this station. On a review of the past, and in prospect of the future, I perceive numerous and weighty motives to diligence in preaching the gospel, as far as is practicable, "to every creature." The few in stances of hopeful conversion which have occurred at the station, during the past year, are pleasing evidences, that it is not a vain thing to preach the word; and if the many opportunities I daily have of testifying repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, be improved, further displays of divine grace may be expected. Moodelicatty, an aged heathen in the village Erlarly, has, for some months past, manifested a concern for the salvation of his soul, and heard the gospel preached with interest. He meets with opposition from the people in consequence of his partiality for the Christian religion. Nov. 2.-A few weeks ago I directed each of the four boys, Porter, Jordan, Niles, and Stuart, to spend the forenoon, four or five times in a week, at our several day schools, for the purpose of assisting the schoolmasters, and of reading and distributing tracts in the villages. This evening I heard them read their monthly journals, from which it appears that they have many favourable opportunities for making known the truths of the gospel to the heathen. Sickness of Onesimus. 23.-Onesimus, a member of our church, was attacked this morning with the cholera. This is the first case of this terrible disease that has occurred at Tillipally for more than a year. Early in the morning Onesimus came to my room and immediately began to speak, in an unusually interesting manner, on religious subjects. He spoke particularly of his own sinfulness and unworthiness, and of his need of such a Saviour as the Lord Jesus, by whom he hoped to be saved. He then requested me to pray with him. After I had done this, he told me that he was unwell; and requested that Niles, or Jordan, (who are members of the church,) might go and remain with him at his house, to read to him the scriptures, and to converse with his friends who might visit him. I went repeatedly to see him in the course of the day, read to him several portions of scripture, and prayed with him. In these exercises he took great delight. He manifested a lively interest for the spiritual welfare of his friends, and for the people around us who continue in idolatry. He often entreated me earnestly to warn them to repent and to believe on Christ. was speaking with those present (about 20 persons) he unexpectedly raised himself from his mat, and made a most affect ing address. Most of those present were in tears. He then took a formal leave, first of the members of the church, and then of his wife and other relatives. He manifested, in a striking manner, both by his countenance and by his expressions, the great joy he felt in prospect of speedily departing to be for ever with the Lord. He made a short prayer, then closed his eyes, and endeavoured to be quiet. His disorder soon began to rage with great violence, and we had little or no hope of his recovery. We continued the use of very powerful medicines, and about midnight his disease abated, and he began rapidly to amend. As I 25.-Onesimus much better to-day; he is in a very tranquil and happy state of mind-is frequently inclined to speak of the views he had yesterday of the glory of God. Some who were with him and heard his conversation, and others who have heard of his case, are much surprised, and know not how to account for such strange appearances. A Tamul gooroo from the coast, is now going through the parishes around us. He is held in high repute by the people, and many flock to him to receive instruction. This man whispers some sentence, in the Grandum language, in their ears, which they are never to repeat to others; the meaning of which they do not understand. They appear to regard this instruction as a kind of passport to a better state. Many of my neighbours, who have long heard the gospel, have recently taken this new degree in heathenism. Influence of Presents for the Schools. Dec. 19.-On Wednesday last, brother Woodward, who has been absent from us several months in consequence of ill health, returned from Calcutta, apparently much benefited by the voyage. The pleasure we experienced in consequence of his return is greatly increased by his bringing with him many letters, and a number of boxes, containing books, pamphlets, and other articles forwarded to us from America, at different times, within the last three years. I have much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of several packages, containing a variety of articles, most of which were designed for the female school at this station. These free-will offerings, though valuable on their own account, are rendered doubly so, in consequence of the kind and obliging manner in which they were presented. As I opened the numerous small parcels, and read the inscriptions upon them, and the very affectionate notes which accompanied them, (most of which were addressed to her who is now deaf to the accents of earthly love and friendship!) my mind was agitated by a variety of strong emotions. After the articles contained in the boxes were laid in order upon our table, the school children, and other persons, came to see them, to whom we explained the object for which those articles were sent. They appeared to consider them as striking evidences, that there are Christians in America, who are interested in the welfare of the people here, and are willing to incur much expense to do them good. It was soon known among the people, that presents had been sent from America for those girls, who are willing to be instructed in our schools. Some good effects, I trust, will result from the impressions that have been produced. An Inquirer. schools connected with our mission. This afternoon examined the school established near the old church buildings in the parish of Miletty. Thirty boys and three girls were present. Preached to sixty or seventy persons, who listened with some attention. When I open a new school, or commence preaching in a village, many persons will, for a few times, come to hear what I have to say. But soon they become weary of attending, and either oppose the truth, or entirely disregard it. We are greatly in danger of being led astray by appearances, in judging of the disposition of the people to receive the gospel. We find it to be almost universally the case, that as soon as they understand the cardinal doctrines of Christianity The interpreter of the court at Mallagum visited me, for the purpose of conversing on religious subjects. I spent three hours with him, and found his mind to be in an interesting state. He made many particular inquiries, which had occurred to his mind on perusing some parts of scripture. He said he believed the Christian religion to be true, but that it would be extremely difficult for him, on account of his numerous family connexions, openly to renounce heathenism. He said he believed in heart, and asked whether a person could not be saved, who in heart believed on Christ, though in things merely outward he conformed to the customs of the heathen. He was much in--the doctrines of the cross, they most clined to this opinion; the reason he as- heartily despise them. signed for it was, that God does not much regard outward things. When I brought to his view the scriptural evidences of faith in Christ, and the sacrifices we should be willing to make for his sake, he said, "These things appear reasonable, but I have not now strength sufficient to resist the opposition of my relatives. Yet I think that, in the course of a year, I shall be a Christian." This is one of the most respectable and influential heathen in the district. I have frequently had long conversations with him on religious subjects. He often attends preaching on the Sabbath at Mallagum. The language of his heart appears to be, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Jan. 31, 1822.—At our church meeting this evening, each member gave an answer to the question, "What have I done, in the course of the week, for the salvation of the souls of the heathen." It is extremely gratifying to perceive in those, who have received the gospel, a disposition to make it known to others. Susanna Hopkins, a girl supported by the Salem Female Education Society, has, at several different times, been considerably affected by divine truth; and has of late, at her own request, attended the meeting held for the benefit of those, who have been received into the church. Feb. 17. This afternoon conversed with people in different places, in the fields. Found them perverse and impudent. The Roman Catholics and the heathen are strengthening each other in their respective errors, particularly on the subject of image worship. March 5.-This morning Ebenezer Porter left his station, to act as an interpreter for Mr. Woodward at Batticotta. Contrasting the present state of this youth with what it was when he first came here to be instructed, I have a pleasing view of the utility and importance of the boarding Translation of Tracts. 15.-There are three boys at Mallagum, who attend our day school, sons of the principal men of the parish. The boys are able to translate plain English into Tamul, and have, of late, translated and read to the people, a number of the tracts lately sent us, printed by the New England Tract Society. 30.-Attended, as usual, on the last Saturday of the month, the meeting of the committee of the native Bible Association at Mallagum. H. G. Speldewinde, Esq. the sitting magistrate of that place, who is president of the society, is interested to promote its objects. Five or six native head-men, members of the committee, usually attend the monthly meetings. The monthly subscribers to the funds of the society, who are principally heathen, are not very ready to pay their subscriptions. This is not an unexpected difficulty. There is reason, however, to hope, that some good effect will result from the formation of the society, particularly as it may be the means of opening the way for the circulation of the scriptures. April 13.-This morning the mother of Elizabeth Worcester, one of the girls in our boarding school, died of the cholera. During her sickness she manifested some concern for her soul. She asked some important questions concerning the way of salvation. Her nephew, Onesimus, conversed and prayed with her, the night but one previous to her death. Niles, also, had some religious conversation with her. This woman, who lived near our house, has, for several years past, frequently attended church on the Sabbath, and has had much religious conversation. Her daughter was one of the first girls received into our school. 22. This morning, Onesimus came to my room, being deeply impressed with a sense of God's goodness in sparing bis life, while in imminent danger by a fall from a well sweep. He mentioned, with much feeling, three instances in which he had been preserved when death appeared to be very near. He requested me to call his wife, who stood at the door without, and to make his repeated escapes from death the occasion of warning her to at tend to the concerns of her soul, and to prepare to die. For a long time past, she has been induced, by her husband's persuasions, to attend preaching on the Sabbath. Labours of a Native Preacher. 23. Went to the parish of Miletty. While I was examining the school, and preaching to the people who assembled there, Philip took his New Testament and went to the sea shore to read and speak to the fishermen, who are Roman Catholicks, of his own cast. Many heard him attentively. While he was addressing a company at the house of a Catholick, the owner of the house, who had been absent, returned home. As soon as he recognised Philip the heretic, he drove away the people, and excited a tumult against him. He endeavoured to quiet them, and stated to them some plain truths from the scriptures. When he repeated the second commandment, the man cried out, "Hear how heretics have altered the word of God." They then used very abusive language, and gnashed upon him. He showed them how contrary their conduct was to the precepts of Jesus, and told them that as they considered him to be in an error, they should endeavour to instruct and persuade him. On their telling him that it was disgrace ful for missionaries to preach in the highways and market places, he pointed them to the conduct and precepts, both of Christ and his apostles. May 7.-A day fraught with most saered and affecting associations; it being the first anniversary of Mrs. Poor's departure. A few months after her decease, a short account of her life and death was prepared for circulation among the natives around us. The object of this account was to give such a view of her character and conduct, as would illustrate some of the principal truths of Christianity, and furnish occasion for mentioning the most important facts relative to the progress of the mission at this station. I have reason to believe that this account will be of some use to the people. An interesting Visit. June 19.-Set out this morning for Velluwittiture, a populous village on the sea shore, about twelve miles north-east of Tillipally. Philip and Cornelius, a boy belonging to the boarding school, accompanied me. At the bazar, near the school, in Miletty, where hundreds of persons usually assemble, no one was to be seen. I saw the principal man of the village, through whose influence the school was established, and began to converse with him respecting the cholera. He was unwilling to hear any remarks, and was urgent that I should proceed on my journey. I then went to a village four or five miles distant. At this place I spent three or four hours; saw several of the principal inhabitants, to whom I explained the objects of my coming to this country, and distributed about thirty tracts written on the ola, and also a few printed extracts from scripture. The village is small, and the people generally are poor and ignorant. Several persons, who are parents, requested me to establish a school in the village. While I was engaged in conversing with those who came to see me, Philip spent the time in visiting the people from house to house. We then proceeded to Velluwittiture, and went to the former maniagar's house. This man, who is about sixty years of age, is much respected by the people; and, by his many good deeds, has acquired the name of the charitable maniagar. Formerly, when in office, he possessed considerable property, but is now much reduced. One year ago he opened a cha rity school in his house, which is now attended by 120 boys, whom he himself instructs. I reached his house about sunset, and found him sitting in his verandah, having about 40 boys drawn up in a semicircle around him, whom he was about to dismiss. I introduced myself to him and told him I had long wished to visit his school, and to converse with the people in his village. He appeared to be much pleased that I had come to see him. He apologized for their being so few boys present, by saying it was the time of new moon. After he had given some account of his school, he called upon several boys to repeat a part of our Saviour's sermon on the mount, which they had learnt from some scripture extracts, which Dr. Scudder left at the schools a few months ago, when on a preaching tour in that part of the country. Their repeating their verses immediately on my arrival, was a pleasing circumstance, and excited a hope, that the schoolmaster would be willing to introduce into the school the books, which I carried with me. On my informing him, that I had come to spend several days in the village, he showed me the accommodations I should have as long as I was pleased to remain with him. He gave me the use of the verandah, which he had |