The Connecticut Evangelical Magazine

CONNECTICUT BIBLE SOCIETY.

(CIRCULAR.)

To the Agents of the CONNECTICUT BIBLE SOCIETY, and to all that wish well to mankind, the following considerations and request are respectfully addressed:

First. Exertions to send the Holy Scriptures entire, and in an intelligible form, wherever any members of the human family can be found on the globe, are, by the universal acknowledgment of Christians, an indispensable duty. In the performance of this duty many are now engaging with an industry, zeal, perseverance, and success, unheard of in preceding ages. Good people rejoice in this token of mercy continued to our guilty world. They may truly say, "It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes." To concentrate such exertions in our section of christendomwith the cheering hope of acting well and usefully the part assigned, in a work so important—is the single object of the Connecticut Bible Society. The numerous friends and contributors to the purposes of the Institution, find cause of devout gratitude and satisfaction, when they look back and contemplate the good which it has already accomplished. By its helping hand, many Bibles have been reached forth to the needy, both near and afar off. Doubtless, through "the abundant grace" which Christ causes to accompany his word, "the thanksgivings of many have resounded to the glory of God."

Secondly. The contingent Funds of the Society are exhausted. Thirdly. The cry of, "Give us Bibles," is now oftener repeated than ever, from the new settlements in the interior, and towards the extensive borders of our land. This cry is answered with grief, not unmingled, however, with the joys of hope-with grief, because we have not money to purchase and send forward the requested supplies-with hope, because we have much confidence, that the charity of those who feel for the destitute will yet furnish the Committee with the means of communicating this precious gift of God to many thousands.

Fourthly. Pious compassion reminds us of the pagan world. It bids us remember the many millions " sitting in the region and shadow of death, and finishing their course" without a guide to life eternal.

The wisdom of the High and Holy One is unsearchable. But we know that his counsels are just. In every age he has seen it best to prove his people by so disappointing their calculations, that they shall both feel their dependence, and realize his absolute right to govern his kingdom and carry on his cause-not by their skill or might-but according to his own most holy will. Their faith, patience, and perseverance, need to be severely tried. In VOL. VI. No. 2.

ous illness to mention, and that another has not to write concerning us, that we are dead. Mrs. Nott's letter to her parents, written at the Isle of France, and now sent with this, will give you an account of our circumstances to its date. Our voyage to this place was comfortable, with the exception of Mrs. Nott's sea-sickness, which on the water we have always reason to expect. We were very unpleasantly detain

ca, of any that is practicable to the American church? As so great a portion of African slaves have been brought to America; is there not a high bond on the American church to emancipate those among them, who still remain in slavery, and to send the gospel to their brethren, who are yet in heathenism? This is the day, in which the Lord hath risen to visit the earth for its infidelity, backsliding and transgressions. Let him, who can, answer the pre-ed at the head of the Bay, owing to ceding questions in the negative.Let him, who can, vindicate the principles of slavery, and offer a Sufficient execuse, for denying a mite from his overflowing fulness, to have the gospel preached to the heathen, and the scriptures read by their babes. The writer of this paragraph professes not to be a prophet, but he will carefully watch the indications of that Providence, which must and will fulfil the things noted in the scriptures of truth. Let the church, without prejudice and prepossession, carefully follow the indications of Providence, and a blessing will assuredly follow.

ED.

Franklin, Jan. 22d, 1813.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE
CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE,
Dear and Rev'd Sir,

KNOWING the deep inter-ernment of the Isle of France, as

est the religious public feel in the missionaries who have gone from this country to the Eastern continent, I transmit to you a letter from my son, with extracts of letters from his wife to other friends, received from Boston by the last mail. You will publish all, or part, in your useful Magazine, as you may think proper. Lam, Rev. Sir, your cordial friend, and brother in Christ,

S.NOTT.

CALCUTTA, August 22d, 1812. Dear and honored Parents,

Through divine goodness, I now address you from this place, in circumstances of health and general prosperity. It certainly demands our gratitude that we have no seri

was mentioned to us from the government while we were there: a circumstance which then led us to think of that field. At present, we cannot do better than to request you to direct to the care of Dr. Carey; as, after all, our situation is at present unsettled. Messrs. Judson and Newell had obtained permission to go to the Isle of France previous to our arrival; and the latter was gone, and without being able to select a field. We shall write you again, and many more of our friends, by the next departure, which will be in a few days. Do be so good as to write us by every opportunity. Remember us in your prayers, and particularly our mission. As yet, our way seems plain: one way is opened apparently by Providence; and the same Providence has shut

and be assured of the prayers of your brother and sister for your own souls. I have every thing to say; but can only add-Your dear sister, R. NOTT."

all others. Mrs. Nott's love and, the Church of God in that place, duty, with mine, to you, and to her parents Remember us to all the brothers and sisters. I am, my dear parents, your dutiful and affectionate son, SAM'L NOTT, Jr. Extracts from Mrs. N.'s letters. To a brother and sister at Coventry, dated Calcutta, August 24th, 1812, she writes:

"My passage from the Capes of the Delaware to the Isle of France, and from thence here, was more comfortable than I could have ex

From the same, to her sisters at home, dated Calcutta, Sept. 5th. My beloved sisters,

"How true it is, that God is every where, and that no place is beyond the reach of his providence. Of his watchful care I can sing, both on the land and on the sea.

pected. Our captain was obliging, Thus has a kind father been near and the supercargoes, one thing ex- all my steps, and guarded me even cepted, were all we could wish. to this hour. I am now recovering They adopted no higher principles from a slight attack of a fever, and than those of gentlemen, and their am but feeble yet. It is this prevents conduct was consistent with these. your having by this ship, (the TarMy health was more than tolerable tar every particular from the time the greater part of the time, so I left the Capes of the Delaware to much so, that I was able to study to this date. But there will be other opconsiderable advantage. We had portunities in the course of three or regularly, morning and evening, fa-four weeks, and nothing but ill health mily worship, and preaching every Lord's day. Thursday evening was a season of prayer, for the special blessing of heaven, on Missions and Missionary labors."

"SEPT. 2d.

"My dear brother and sister,

will keep it from you. Till then, let me add, I suffered not as much from sea-sickness as I had reason to expect; and since at this place, less from the climate, than I had even dared to hope. It will be unnecessary to tell you how often and how tenderly I have thought of you. If my eyes "How true it is, that man ap-have ever turned a wishful glance points, but God disappoints! I was towards my native land, it has been rejoicing in the prospect of writing to meet you and gently press you to all my friends long letters, with eve- my heart. My beloved Lora,* then ry particular of my voyage and pre-have I thought of the sweet counsel sent prospects; when I was laid we have had together, and how ofupon a bed of sickness, and renew- ten we have walked to the house of edly taught to lay all my plans in a God in company. Let us look at realizing sense that my Heavenly these scenes till our hearts burn for Father will execute his own plans. complete devotion to the cause of The same hand that laid me low, Christ. My kind Maria, I love to graciously smiled on the means used remember your sympathising care for my recovery; and though not for me, in all my cares. O make yet perfectly well, have the pros- Christ your hope of glory and shelpect of soon being so. Mr. Nott ter during all the tempests of life. has been on the borders of eternity, He will never leave you, nor forsake but is now mending, We have you. Melissa, to you I owe much. friends and home, with every earth-I love to feel my obligations. For ly comfort provided for us But I am weary. God bless you, and your dear little ones: train them up to a glorious immortality. Mr. Nott unites with me in an affectionate remembrance to your widowed mother, your aged grand-mother, your dear and rev'd pastor and family,

all I have done for you, my heart rejoices; and all the return I wish, is, that you make choice of the " thing needful." Repent of your sins,

one

A sister of Mrs. Nott's, who made a public profession of her faith at the same time with her.

ED.

Franklin, Jan. 22d, 1813. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, Dear and Rev'd Sir,

KNOWING the deep interest the religious public feel in the missionaries who have gone from this country to the Eastern continent, I transmit to you a letter from my son, with extracts of letters from his wife to other friends, received from Boston by the last mail. You will publish all, or part, in your useful Magazine, as you may think proper. Lam, Rev. Sir, your cordial friend, and brother in Christ,

S.NOTT.

CALCUTTA, August 22d, 1812. Dear and honored Parents,

Through divine goodness, I now address you from this place, in circumstances of health and general prosperity. It certainly demands our gratitude that we have no seri

our falling to the eastward of the pilot ground, and of course not being able to find a pilot to bring us up the river. But the voyage was finished in safety and health, and you know how easy it is to feel, even without Christian submission, when trouble is over, that all is well that ends well, We have been here nearly a fortnight, and are again setting our faces to the sea. We shall probably leave this in a few weeks for the Isle of France, and with the intention of establishing a mission at Madagascar, with the Isle of France for our home and retreat. The East IndiaCompany exclude us from their dominions. The Birman empire seems at present to be out of the question. Madagascar is open-it is a door to eastern Africa, through which others may enter: It is an immense field itself-and we may expect the countenance of the government of the Isle of France, as was mentioned to us from the government while we were there: a circumstance which then led us to think of that field. At present, we cannot do better than to request you to direct to the care of Dr. Carey; as, after all, our situation is at present unsettled. Messrs. Judson and Newell had obtained permission to go to the Isle of France previous to our arrival; and the latter was gone, and without being able to select a field. We shall write you again, and many more of our friends, by the next departure, which will be in a few days. Do be so good as to write us by every opportunity. Remember us in your prayers, and particularly our mission. As yet, our way seems plain: one way is opened apparently by Providence ; and the same Providence has shut

all others. Mrs. Nott's love and, the Church of God in that place,

duty, with mine, to you, and to her parents Remember us to all the brothers and sisters. I am, my dear parents, your dutiful and affectionate son, SAM'L NOTT, Jr. Extracts from Mrs. N.'s letters.

To a brother and sister at Coventry, dated Calcutta, August 24th, 1812, she writes:

་་

My passage from the Capes of the Delaware to the Isle of France, and from thence here, was more comfortable than I could have ex

pected. Our captain was obliging, and the supercargoes, one thing excepted, were all we could wish. They adopted no higher principles than those of gentlemen, and their conduct was consistent with these. My health was more than tolerable the greater part of the time, so much so, that I was able to study to considerable advantage. We had regularly, morning and evening, family worship, and preaching every Lord's day. Thursday evening was a season of prayer, for the special blessing of heaven, on Missions and Missionary labors."

་་

"SEPT. 2d.

'My dear brother and sister,

and be assured of the prayers of your brother and sister for your own souls. I have every thing to say; but can only add-Your dear sister, "R. NOTT."

From the same, to her sisters at home, dated Calcutta, Sept. 5th. My beloved sisters,

"How true it is, that God is every where, and that no place is beyond the reach of his providence. Of his watchful care I can sing, both on the land and on the sea. Thus has a kind father been near all my steps, and guarded me even to this hour. I am now recovering from a slight attack of a fever, and am but feeble yet. It is this prevents your having by this ship, (the Tartar every particular from the time I left the Capes of the Delaware to this date. But there will be other opportunities in the course of three or four weeks, and nothing but ill health will keep it from you. Till then, let me add, I suffered not as much from sea-sickness as I had reason to expect; and since at this place, less from the climate, than I had even dared to hope. It will be unnecessary to tell you how often and how tenderly I have thought of you. If my eyes ap-have ever turned a wishful glance towards my native land, it has been to meet you and gently press you to my heart. My beloved Lora,* then have I thought of the sweet counsel we have had together, and how often we have walked to the house of God in company. Let us look at these scenes till our hearts burn for complete devotion to the cause of Christ. My kind Maria, I love to remember your sympathising care for me, in all my cares. O make Christ your hope of glory and shelter during all the tempests of life. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Melissa, to you I owe much. I love to feel my obligations. For all I have done for you, my heart rejoices; and all the return I wish, is, that you make choice of the "one thing needful." Repent of your sins,

"How true it is, that man points, but God disappoints! I was rejoicing in the prospect of writing all my friends long letters, with every particular of my voyage and present prospects; when I was laid upon a bed of sickness, and renewedly taught to lay all my plans in a realizing sense that my Heavenly Father will execute his own plans. The same hand that laid me low, graciously smiled on the means used for my recovery; and though not yet perfectly well, have the prospect of soon being so. Mr Nott has been on the borders of eternity, but is now mending, We have friends and home, with every earthly comfort provided for us But I am weary. God bless you, and your dear little ones: train them up to a glorious immortality. Mr. Nott unites with me in an affectionate remembrance to your widowed mother, your aged grand-mother, your dear and rev'd pastor and family,

*A sister of Mrs. Nott's, who made a public profession of her faith at the same time with her.

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