P R E F A СЕ. It gives us great pleasure to inform our readers, that we have reason to hope a new era is now to commence in the history of the American Baptist Magazine. In pursuance of an arrangement, which has been matured by the Board of missions, the work will contain an average of forty pages, monthly, throughout the year. The size of the type, too, is diminished, and the length and breadth of the page enlarged; thus giving more ample room for whatever occurs, of permanent interest, in the religious world. This work was originally established by the Rev. Dr. Baldwin, in the year 1803. At the commencement of 1817, when our foreign missions began to assume an interesting aspect, the title was modified; and the magazine became the property of the Baptist General Convention, and their medium of communication to the world. Although the multiplication of weekly religious journals has militated, in some degree, against it, yet we are happy to say, strong feelings still exist in its favor. Indeed its character, as the official organ of the Board, the prime treasure-house and chief fountain of all intelligence from our missions, renders it worthy of continued and increased patronage. ་ Our missionary operations are every year growing more extensive and interesting. God has been pleased to arouse among us a mission ary feeling, which calls for nutriment-a missionary appetite, which must have food, adapted to its cravings. In some of the states, particularly, we rejoice to know the disposition that is felt to honor God, and, in the words of the prophet, to give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.' Such a spirit the Board are desirous of fostering and extending. Such an appetite, they esteem it both a duty and a pleasure to satisfy. Such missionary feeling they wish to kindle up in every city, village and hamlet of America, and indirectly in every corner of the earth, to which their influence can extend. This is the design they have in view in augmenting the size of this, their official pamphlet; and in expending upon it all the labor, which such a publication demands. Conscious that it is among the prominent means of promoting zeal for missions in our own denomination, and of advancing what we believe to be the cause of God, they cheerfully commit it to the churches and pastors throughout our land. NAME AND CONSTITUTION OF THE BOARD. In the charter of the Convention, it is styled "The General Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United States, for Foreign Missions and other important objects relating to the Redeemer's kingdom." It holds its session once in three years, at places designated at each triennial meeting. It is composed of delegates from missionary societies, associations and other religious bodies, and of individuals of the Baptist denomination, which annually contribute to the funds under the direction of the Board, a sum amounting to at least one hundred dollars; for every additional hundred dollars, one additional representative and vote is allowed. The executive business is performed by a Board, consisting of a President, eight Vice-Presidents, a Corresponding and Recording Secretaries, a Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, and forty managers. Besides the triennial meeting, the board of managers also hold an annual meeting for mutual advice and cooperation in advancing the objects of the Convention; and a monthly meeting at the missionary rooms in Boston, for the transaction of business, whose calls cannot, in justice to the cause of Christ and the interests of mankind, be delayed. Eleven constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meetings, and five at those of intermediate occurrence. PUBLICATIONS OF THE BOARD. The AMERICAN BAPTIST MAGAZINE is the official organ of the Board. It is entirely under their direction, and promulges to the world whatever of interest is transmitted to this country from all its missionary stations. The 'MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON, including a History of the American Baptist Mission in the Burman Empire,' is also the property of the Board, and the profits of its sale are devoted to missions. Many thousands of copies have already been circulated, which have not only aided the pecuniary concerns of the convention, but have also kindled a spirit, which, in its influence, will be of incalculable benefit to the cause of missions. OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD. BURMAH. The will of Providence was, perhaps, never more distinctly intelligible, than in the circumstances which led to the establishment of the American Baptist Mission in the Burman Empire. Mr. Judson received no encouragement in respect to the station from his friends at Serampore. The ground had already been tried. But such were the obstructions, resulting from a barbarous nation of idolaters, a despotic government, where change of religion in a native would be visited with death, and a language of difficult acquisition, that all former attempts had failed. The missionaries, few in number, who had been deputed by the Serampore brethren to go thither, had left in discouragement, and gone to other fields. Not a native had listened to the word of eternal life. Of the good seed of the kingdom, none had been sown. But amid hazard and discouragement, Mr. Judson resolved, in the name of God, there to set up the Christian banners. RANGOON. Mr. Judson arrived at Rangoon in July 1813. On his arrival, he found a mission-house, formerly occupied by Mr. Felix Carey, which now became his home. Mr. C. soon left the station for an office under government; and thus the mission was abandoned into the hands of the American Baptist Board. In Oct. 1816, Mr. and Mrs. Hough joined the mission family at Rangoon, having left the United States the preceding December. In March 1817, four years after the commencement of the mission, the first inquirer presented himself to Mr. Judson. His appearance and manners exci ted high hopes; and at the close of his first visit, the mission family felt, that there was reason to thank God and take courage. In Sept. 1818, Messrs. Colman and Wheelock, who had sailed from Boston in November, 1817, were added to the mission family at Rangoon. Mr. Judson had already completed the translation of the gospel by Matthew, and a zayat was built for religious worship, where he sat from day to day, to converse with all who came, on the things of the kingdom. The zayat was erected on a road, lined on both sides with pagodas; and hence called Pagoda-Road. On the 27th of June 1819, the first baptism occurred in the Burman Empire. Moung Nau, the subject of it, gave a most satisfactory and interesting account of his mental exercises, and was admitted, with an unspeakably joyful welcome, to baptism and the church. This first baptism seemed like the first fruits of a revival. The number of inquirers began to multiply, and at some meetings, especially of the females, the Holy Spirit was evidently present. On the 7th of November following, two more converts were baptized. Individuals of rank and eminence were becoming zealous inquirers, and the holiest anticipations of the missionaries seemed on the point of being realized. But such was their success, that the fame of their operations could not be kept from the ears of the emperor. Fearing the worst temporal consequences, praying for divine guidance, and pursuing what seemed to be the only course expedient, Messrs. Judson and Colman left Rangoon for Ava, the capital of the country, to seek the imperial favor and toleration, and safety for the baptized Burmans. Their petition, however, was disregarded. Their hopes were blighted, and they returned to tell the sad tidings to their converts. They had previously arranged that Mr. Colman should go to Chittagong, a place under British protection, so that, in case of the worst, all the missionaries might find there an asylum from persecution. They expected, when they disclosed their ill success to the disciples, they would be filled with apprehensions, and perhaps be ready to renounce their christian profession. But, on the contrary, they remained steadfast in the faith, and seemed willing that the will of the Lord should be done. "Only stay with us," they exclaimed, "till there are ten converts; then one can teach the rest; and the emperor himself will not be able to destroy the new religion." Mr. Colman shortly went to Chittagong. Mr. Wheelock, whose health soon failed, died on his passage to Bengal, whither he was going for medical aid. Mr. Hough was at Serampore, superintending the printing of a Burman tract. Mrs. Judson's health had become so impaired, that a voyage to Calcutta became indispensable. And so feeble was she, before the time for her departure arrived, that Mr. Judson felt it necessary that he should accompany her. Thus the station must be left awhile without a missionary-the dependant sheep, led by no earthly shepherd. But through the tender mercy of God, before the ship could get away, seven more Burmans gave satisfactory evidence of a change of heart, and applied for baptism. They were accepted by the church and added to the little band of believers; so that the proposed TEN was now filled. While at Calcutta, Mrs. Judson's health gradually recovered, and she returned to Rangoon with her husband, in January 1821. Soon after their return, another convert was baptized, Moung Ing, who is now a native pastor. During the absence of the missionaries, he had been endeavouring to spread among his friends the knowledge of a crucified Saviour. In Nov. 1821, Dr. Price, with his family arrived to join the mission. Just as he landed, Mrs. Judson, in consequence of returning illness, was forced to leave all the endearments of that land of her affections, and return to America. She spent the winter at Baltimore, where she prepared for the press a history of the Burman Mission, and so far recovered her health, that she was able to return to Rangoon the following summer. After being instrumental in thus enlisting many affections in the Burman mission, both at home and in England, she sailed again for India. She was accompanied in her return by Mr. and Mrs. Wade, who were appointed to join the station at Rangoon. They sailed from Boston in June, and arrived at Calcutta, Oct. 19th; soon after which they sailed for their final destination. As the history of the station at AVA forms a kind of episode in the history of that at Rangoon, this seems to be the fittest place for its introduction. Soon after the arrival of Dr. Price, intelligence of his medical skill was conveyed to the capital. He was immediately summoned to wait on the emperor. Hoping that a favorable opportunity might now open for the introduction of the gospel into the heart of the realm, Mr. Judson resolved to accompany the Doctor. Government-boats were furnished at the public expense, and they were received with respect and kindness. Upon their arrival, Dr. Price was authorized to build himself a house, where he might live on terms of familiarity with the public officers, and in the enjoyment of perfect toleration. Until the country was thrown into a state of commotion, he was able indirectly to advance the objects of his mission. His medical skill rendered him an object of favor and respect; and it was fondly hoped, that, in this golden city, the grand point of attraction to the Burman Empire, the church of Christ was about to be established on a basis, which could not be shaken. But events were destined soon to occur, which nipped the hopes of Christians in the bud. The war between the British and Burmese governments rendered the missionaries objects of suspicion and ill will. Because their language was the same, and their pecuniary affairs were transacted through British agents, they were imagined to be spies for England. As the armies of the East India Company advanced from town to town, Messrs. Judson and Price were seized and imprisoned, and treated with the utmost severity. For a year and seven months, they were held in confinement; often driven by savage persecutors from prison to prison; immured in the death-prison, and saved only by the interposition of a friendly governor, and the constant intercessions of Mrs. Judson, from a violent death. Impelled by fear of the British arms, the Burmans at last delivered them. Missionary efforts throughout the country were suspended for a long and gloomy period; and if the God of missions were not the wise and glorious governor of the, universe, accomplishing his own purposes in the most mysterious ways, this might have seemed the death-blow of our efforts in that region. After the war, Dr. Price remained at Ava. Here he had under his instruction the sons of some of the highest officers of government. His journals narrate several interesting conversations with the young princes. He lectured them on various branches of natural philosophy; and intermingled and deduced arguments and reasons for the religion of the Bible. But in the midst of his usefulness, God saw fit to take him from the service of earth to the purer and holier services of heaven. He died, near Ava, in February 1828 The station has never been resumed. At the commencement of the war, Messrs. Wade and Hough, the only missionaries at Rangoon, were ordered to execution; and their lives were saved only by the cowardice of their Burman oppressors. When they were liberated by the advance of the British army, they sailed immediately for Calcutta, to await the course of events. During this interval in their work, Mr. Wade superintended the printing of a Burman dictionary, prepared chiefly by Mr. Judson; and thus accomplished an invaluable service for future missionaries. After an absence of two years and three months, the missionaries returned to Rangoon. Some of the disciples were dead; and of some, no news could be obtained. A few were anxiously waiting to know the plans of their spiritual leaders, designing wherever they should go, to go with them. None, it is believed, had apostatized from the steadfastness of their faith. In consequence of the arrangements of the British government, it was thought proper, for a while to leave the station at Rangoon, and establish one at AMHERST, in its stead, to which a large proportion of the population had removed. It was supposed this town would become the capital of the Compa |