trade, and has since been gradually, The papal population amounts to 12,776, embracing 2,507 of the Armenian, 6,017 of the Greek, 2,000 of the Syrian, 1,565 of the Maronite, and 687 of the Chaldean and Latin sects. The remnants of the ancient churches still ad hering to their former faith are 708 Armenians, 461 Greeks, and 15 Syrians; in all 1,184. The Moslem population amounts to 45,000; and there are 5,000 Jews, and 152 Europeans. It is impossible to obtain from the returns of the custom-house a correct account of the goods which pass annually through Aleppo. I can only therefore state some general particulars, which will give you an approximation to the truth. There arrived at Alexandretta in 1841 twenty-two English vessels. About an equal number of French and nearly as many Italian visit the port during the year, but do not usually come laden heavily. They bring mostly small French goods, stationary, cloth, etc. commences usually in the afternoon and continues blowing fresh until nearly midnight. Were it not for this cooling breeze, Aleppo would be scarcely inhab itable. The variations of the seasons follow, in their general features, those which prevail in all parts of Syria. March is a windy month and characterized by occasional severe thunder storms and heavy showers. April is a month of alternate showers and sunshine, the thermometer ranging from sixty to sixty-six. June, July, and August are the hot months. Scarcely a cloud appears, and rain rarely falls. In September the early rains fall. October and November are for the most part pleasant. Storms occasionally occur. December, January, and February are the rainy months. Rains are not constant, however, but the weather is alternately pleasant and stormy. Frost commences about the twenty-fifth of December, and ice is frequently formed during the winter, but rarely continues beyond a day or two. Doct. Russell, who was physician to the Levant Company in Aleppo for thirteen years, says, "that such persons as have any tendency to a phtisis, pulmoralis, should avoid the air of Aleppo, for it is seldom that any afflicted with that disease outlive a few months if they do not leave the place." The air is very trying to the lungs, and so far as my experience goes, it accords with the above statement, which was made nearly a hundred years ago. Various kinds of fevers are found at Aleppo, but the most prevalent is the in termittent. The occasion of this is doubt less the custom the people have of sleeping much in the open air in the gardens near the river. Small-pox is not uncommon, but as vaccination has been introduced to some extent, its ravages are not severe. Exports of Aleppo consist principally of galls and wool. The galls are from Mardin, Diarbekir, and Mosul mostly, though good galls are produced not far from Aleppo. The Bagdad trade is principally in timtuk, a kind of wild tobacco much smoked by the natives. Pearls, indigo, hides, and cashmere shawls are brought in small quantities. Climate-Diseases-Importance as a Mis- found at Aleppo is a cutaneous eruption, sionary Station. The climate is much more severe at Aleppo than Beyroot. Its height from the sea (supposed to be about two thousand feet) renders it cold in winter, while its proximity to the great desert makes it liable in summer to the hot winds which blow from the east. A wise Providence has so ordered it, however, that for the most part, during the summer, the wind blows from the west. It Plague has frequently visited the city, and sometimes severely. It has been exempt, however, for the last fifteen years. But the most singular disease commonly called the "Aleppo button." The natives call it the pill or life of a year, from the fact that it usually occupies a year in coming on and going off. This singular disease affects all classes. The natives have it when quite young, and always in the face. Europeans take it lightly, and usually upon some other part of the body. Few escape who have resided for any length of time in Aleppo, though some Europeans have lived here many years before taking it, and others have had it long after their removal from || north, and northeast, we have Adana ten days, Aulat eight days, Marath seven days, Orfah six days, Diarbekir and Mardin twelve days. These are all important places, but their distances forbids the hope that much can be done for them, except by sending them books, or perhaps once in a year or two visiting them on preaching tours. In the more immediate vicinity of Aleppo, there are several small villages and towns, mostly Moslem. A few hundred Christians may be found among them. the place. It is supposed to be caused by the water, as it does not exist in the towns around Aleppo which are not situated upon the river. A similar disease is found at some of the large towns situated upon the Tigris and Euphrates. At Mosul and Bagdad it is said to be worse even than here. There are two kinds of this button. The one is confined to a single spot about the size of a quarter of a dollar, and if allowed to form and go off in its own way, leaves but a small scar. The female button is not confined to any spot, but often appears at the same time in different parts of the body. It is rarely painful unless irritated by rubbing or applications. This kind of button leaves a very deep and bad looking scar, which continues through life. In some cases it destroys a part of the nose, and I have seen one of the lips entirely removed by it. Various expedients have been resorted to for the purpose of effecting a cure, but it is thought to be the best way to allow it to run its own course. Efforts have been made to introduce the matter in various parts of the body by vaccination, but have proved unsuccessful, the disease appearing as soon in the face or some other part, as the place where the matter was introduced. After stating that only a small portion of the population of Aleppo can be readily approached by a missionary, being papists and Mohammedans, Mr. Beadle remarks that the principal means of disseminating christian knowledge there are the distribution of books and schools, a few of which might probably be conducted without opposition. By glancing your eye upon any good map of northern Syria you will see that Aleppo stands upon the edge of the great desert, and to the east presents nothing but a vast uncultivated country, peopled by wandering tribes of Arabs. To the south the first towns of importance are Hamath and Homs, the first three days and the latter four from Aleppo. In both of these towns there are some thousands of Greek Christians, more or less accessible, but the distance is so great and the state of the country constantly so unsettled, that communication is uncertain, and direct missionary influence impossible. To the west Antioch and Swadia are the only important towns. Of these you are already informed. Antioch is two and a half days and Swadia three from Aleppo. To the northwest, Aleppo, if considered as a "steppingstone" to Mosul and the Nestorian mission, will not be found of so much importance, I think, as has been attached to it. Two caravans go and return in the year. In extraordinary seasons, that is when the country is uncommonly quiet and commercial transactions increased, three caravans make the journey. They perform it in from forty-five to sixty days. Mr. and Mrs. Hinsdale made it in fortytwo days, including detentions. Opportunities occur occasionally by which goods and letters may be sent. The only thing therefore in which a station at Aleppo can be useful to the Nestorian mission, will be the creating of an agency through which can be transmitted goods and letters destined for that place. The business required in this matter must be done by the English merchants of Aleppo, whether there be missionaries there or not. The object secured by the presence of a missionary will only be to see that the business is done well. The language most commonly used is the Arabic. Turkish is now used in all communications with the government and much among the people. Italian is the business and French the visiting language of Aleppo. Armenian is spoken principally by the Armenians who visit the city for trade or labor. The most of them understand the Arabic also. A missionary should have a good knowledge of the Arabic, and to some extent be acquainted with the Turkish. Mahrattas. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF MR. FRENCH. ON the short tour made by Mr. French among the villages around Seroor, the station at which he resides, he was accompanied by Mr. Burgess and Dajeeba, from Ahmednuggur, the lat ter an intelligent native convert employed by the mission as a catechist and teacher. Readiness to listen to Instruction and told them that from this time they should receive Books. cast away all their false gods and vain superstitions-turn to the true God and seek salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ. They replied that this was good instruction, and, so far as their language was concerned, showed themselves ready to receive the gospel. What would be the result, if the truth were proclaimed to them from day to day, is uncertain, though I should hope for good. September 28th, 1841. Having sent forward our tent and baggage yesterday, we took an early start this morning, making our first encampment at Nighooj, ten miles north of Seroor. After breakfast went into town and soon found ourselves in the midst of a congregation of about seventy persons, to whom we made known the true God and the path of life. Our auditors gave respectful attention 29. Leaving Nighooj at an early hour, and made no attempt to gainsay or resist we arrived at Davee Bohera, four miles the truth. On returning to our tent quite distant, a little after sunrise. Here is a a number of the people followed us, to population of three or four hundred, of whom we further unfolded the great whom one brahmin and two or three truths of revelation. About noon another boys could read. As our baggage was assembly collected under a tree in front not with us, we gave them no books. of our tent, with whom we spent an hour. We had an interesting time in talking to Just at dusk we were visited by fifteen the people, of whom nearly a hundred or twenty mhars, who showed themselves assembled. Our instructions seemed to quite as ready as any whom we have met be new to them, and were received with to listen to the gospel which is able to apparent confidence. Several, whose raise even those who are regarded as the curiosity exceeded their courage, did not refuse of society to the dignity of "kings venture near us, but stood at the corners and priests unto God." How sad to con- of the streets, and in the doors of their template the degradation in which they houses to gaze at the strangers. Reare held. Though they are by common maining here an hour we proceeded two consent put at the bottom of the scale of miles to Wudjera. Before we could human existence, yet there are among pitch our tent a large congregation had them men of mind and energy, not infe- assembled to see the padres and hear rior to that of their self-styled superiors. what they had to say. While waiting We found two or three who could read, for breakfast we spent an hour with them and who gladly received our books. in proclaiming the knowledge of the true After talking with these people an hour God and the way of salvation by Jesus or more we had our evening devotions, Christ. During the day we had two or at which they and several others re- three other assemblies at the tent and mained. We have given a comparative- one in town, varying from forty to eighty, ly large amount of christian instruction who in every instance listened to the to-day, and it has been received in an || precious truths of the gospel with enencouraging manner. Though the vil-couraging attention. lage contains two or three thousand inhabitants, according to common estimation, we found only fifteen readers. They have no school, but are desirous that we should establish one, which will probably be done soon. Where there is not more than one in a hundred who can read, a school is certainly needed. During the day I visited several temples in and around town, all of which were in a state of decay, and some seemed almost entirely neglected. Whether this neglect proceeds from a deficiency of public patronage, or from a want of private interest in idolatrous rites, it is an encouraging sight. They confessed that their religion had not only declined, but that it had come to naught. Yes, said I, this is very evident, and we have come to bring you a new religion, a religion suited to the wants of all people and destined to fill the whole world. I then On all these occasions Dajeeba did most of the preaching, and rendered himself very useful. During the intervals he spent most of his time in talking to the people in greater or smaller collections. He not only talked much, but he talked to the purpose. I am highly pleased with his mode of presenting divine truth. His numerous illustrations are appropriate and forcible. I understand now better than ever before the reason why the Savior used so many par||ables. It is the oriental mode of communicating instruction, and best adapted to interest and impress the minds of a people like this. In the afternoon we went into town for the purpose of ascertaining the circumstances of the people and the state of the temples. To the latter we had free access, a circumstance indicating the decline of idolatry. To those who accompanied us I spoke of the folly and sin of worshipping idols, and urged them to forsake their lying vanities. They acknowledged that their course was foolish and wrong, "but," said they, "what can we do? Our fathers built these temples and worshipped these idols: as our fathers did so do we." But if your fathers erred, I replied, and walked in a false way, you should forsake that and seek the true way. "True," said they, "but we know not what the true way is, and how can we walk in it?" Upon this I took occasion to speak of them as wandering in the paths of darkness and sin, with no one to guide their feet into the way of life. Knowing these your circumstances, said I, we have come to declare unto you the path of peace and salvation. We have come to make known to you the true God and the only way in which sin can be forgiven and eternal life obtained. These instructions they seemed to regard as worthy of their consideration, though there is great reason to believe that the truth often becomes as the seed sown in stony places. A Village of Brahmins-Native and Mission Schools. 30. With the dawn of day we started for Parnair, seven miles distant. Parnair, which lies fourteen miles northeast of Seroor, is a chief village of this region, and has a population of four thousand, of whom a large proportion are brahmins. We found of course a greater number of readers here than elsewhere, and had an opportunity to distribute nearly one hundred books, which were sought with much eagerness. Human depravity is strikingly exhibited among this people in their exceeding proneness to deception and falsehood. The want of veracity is an almost universal characteristic of this people, so far as I have come into contact with them. In the course of our conversation we had occasion to speak of the object for which we left our native land and came to this distant country, by whom we were sent, and how we were supported and enabled to make books and sustain schools. I know of nothing better suited to impress the people with the truth and benevolence of our religion, than a simple account of what Christians are doing for the spread of the gospel and the salvation of the world. This practical exhibition of Christianity is what they can understand and appreciate. How important that all Christians abound in those works by which their faith and the character of the religion they profess are made known in the ends of the world. Like Athens of old, this is a city given to idolatry. Besides five musjids, there are twenty-seven temples dedicated to the worship of eleven different divinities. Some of them are in a good state of repair and are much frequented, but most are in a state of more or less decay. In the town were three schools supported by the people themselves, though but little esteemed, even by them, compared with schools supported by the mission, principally on account of the elementary books and better system of instruction used in the latter. Alluding to the necessity of employing teachers who are themselves idolaters, Mr. French remarks— To support schools under such teachers, whose example, at least, goes to the support of idolatry, may seem to some to be a waste of funds. But what can we do? You have given us the press, that powerful engine in promoting the knowledge of God. But how can its power be brought to bear on a people of whom but a very small portion can read? This people must be taught to read, and for this purpose schools must be established. But who will teach them? Such teachers as can be found we must employ, until it shall please the Head of the Church to give us others. So far as human science is concerned, we can train up teachers, as we are laboring to do; but a higher agency is necessary to give them the chief qualification for their work. We feel the need of this agency to give efficiency to all our efforts for the good of this people, and especially to enlighten and sanctify that class of our fellowlaborers whose position gives them a commanding influence over the rising generation. October 1. Leaving Parnair this morning, we proceeded by way of Chinchoolu to Ganjee Bohera, on our homeward route. At the former place is a native school containing ten or twelve boys, of whom about one half are able to read. Besides reading and writing, the teacher understands the simple rules of arithmetic and nothing more The tuition is from two to four anas (six to twelve cents) per month for each boy, making the teacher's monthly pay about two rupees or one dollar. For such a compensation as this it cannot be expected that a teacher will render himself very useful in his calling. We distributed books to the boys of the school and to other peo ple assembled who could read, of whom we found fifteen in all, while we proclaimed the gospel of salvation to a congregation of forty or fifty. Ceylon. JOINT LETTER FROM DOCT. WARD AND MR. COPE, BATTICOTTA. THE letter below from the two missionary brethren having the immediate charge of the seminary, bears the date of 13th December, 1841. Report of the Mission Seminary. During the two terms which have passed since our last report, several students have been dismissed for various causes. Three of them, however, have been restored, as well as one who was previously dismissed. Two of the select class, S. Goodell and S. Miller, of whom we had hoped better things, have lately married heathen wives. There is something unpleasant and disheartening in the dissevering of members from the seminary, and in the defection of church members, especially of those who had given promise that they would be teachers of others. These things, however, do not shake our faith or discourage our efforts. Much that is hopeful remains, and we still look for better things. At the close of the term in June there was a public examination in Tamul. The attendance was pretty good, and the exercises satisfactory and useful. Interesting addresses were made, principally by members of the select class. There was also an examination at the close of the last term, attended by most of the missionary brethren. It was continued three days. There was evidence of pleasing progress in the various studies pursued. This is the more gratifying as it is a part of a general progress of improvement that is going on in the land. The people of the province, though far from what we desire to see them, are by no means what they were in character when our missionary labors were comnienced twenty-five years ago. The facts of the Bible are extensively known,|| and the doctrines of the gospel are in a measure understood, and there is, moreover, to a great extent, a conviction that its morality is not inferior to that of their own system. Many admit its superiority. At the same time there is a woful blindness and hardness of heart in regard to the great and essential points insisted on in the gospel, as repentance and faith and pardon and justification through faith in Jesus Christ. At the opening of the present term a class of thirty-four lads was admitted to the seminary, principally from the English day-schools at the different stations. At a meeting of the mission a short time before a resolution was passed, after considerable deliberation, requiring every lad hereafter entering the seminary to pay for his board, or to give satisfactory security for the payment of it at some future time. The measure was well received by the community, and the new class was admitted on this plan. A bond is taken intended to secure the payment for board after the youth shall have completed his course of study. A resolution was also adopted to the effect that hereafter all members of the seminary shall furnish their own clothing. This measure was also well received. The seminarists were told that these steps were taken, not because the benevolence of the churches had ceased to place funds at our disposal to provide for them, but from a belief that the time had come when they ought to begin to help themselves; that the people were able to pay for their education, and that we were consulting their own interest in requiring them to begin; and that it was our wish and for their good that the institution be placed on such a footing, that, if foreign aid were cut off, they might still enjoy the benefits of a christian seminary. We are mistaken if this change is not to prove advantageous to the best and dearest interests of the institution and mission. No immediate emolument can arise from the bonds, their value is chiefly the light of evidence that the people are willing to pay at least in part for education in christian institutions. As to the state of religion in the seminary during the period that comes under review, a few words will suffice. There was an apparent declension in religious feeling and some were speculating, if not doubting, in regard to the great doctrines of the cross. Some were openly going astray, and many were neglecting duty. In this state of things there were a few of the students who continued to meet and pray, we trust, for the peace of Jerusalem. Arrangements were made to hold a protracted meeting early in the present term. The brethren Poor, Spaulding, and Hutchings were with us much of the time. There was preaching three or four times a day, at first, and afterwards morning and evening. The services |