they wrote; for John says, in his first epistle, that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you."

"You cannot justly infer, from the language of the apostles, that we ought to receive the unwritten traditions; for it is exceedingly plain, from their declarations, that we ought not to receive the traditions of men. St. Paul says to the Colossians, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tra ditions of men, after the rudiments of this world, and not after Christ." And in another place, he cautions his disciple Timothy, "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrines, neither give heed unto fables, and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying, which is in faith, so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity, out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned, from which some having swerved, have turned aside unto vain jangling."

"If you ask me how to distinguish between the traditions of the apostles, and the traditions of men, I answer, in the first place, the traditions of the apostles are found in the Gospel; and secondly, fearing the denunciation of St. Paul, when he says, "though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel, than that which we have preached, let him be accursed." I confess, with Irenaeus, that "as we do not deny the things which are written, so the things which are not written we reject."

"To your question, "How is it possible that the fast should have been kept for so many ages, "&c., I can give an answer which will clear your mind of this difficulty. You know, Rev. Father, for what reason our Lord reproved the Pharisees; viz., because they held to the traditions. As he says plainly in the Gospel of Mark, "For in vain do you serve me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." And again, in Matthew, "Ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your traditions."

"Now if, in about 400 years, between the prophet Malachi and the coming of our Lord, there sprung up so many traditions, that our Lord had to preach and exhort men to forsake them, how much less is it to be wondered at, if, between the time of Christ and now, there have arisen many erroneous doctrines. For men are always inventing new notions; and then, after a while are ready to declare, that their antiquity makes them certain. And espe cially, since before St. Paul wrote his epis tle to the Galatians, there had arisen among om such doctrines, that he was obliged

to write to them, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another Gospel;" and then reproved him, who taught these doctrines, in the language just now quoted; yes, and repeats it, saying, "As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other Gospel unto you, than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Wherefore 1, fearing lest this apostolic curse should fall on me, receive and obey the direction of Basil the great, when he says, "Believe the things which are written; but the things which are not written, seek not after them." My great wish is, to be always obedient to the command of our Lord, "Search the Scriptures;" and while I do this, I believe the assertion of Irenaeus, that "to rely upon the holy Scriptures, is to build upon a firm rock; but to leave these, and to rely upon any other doctrine, is to build upon the sand; and the overthrow of such a house is easy."

"Again, you argue, that the fast of the apostles should be kept, as an expression of thanks to them. i too, declare, that we ought to thank God continually, for giving us the apostles to instruct us, and to fulfil all things which are written in the law; and also, we ought to remember the death, and resurrection, and ascension, of Christ; the mission of the apostles, their admonitions, their labors, their fatigues, their sufferings, so grievous and afflictive, which they endured for Christ's sake, and that they might teach us the true religion. But as to the rewards of the apostles, you know that they consist in dwelling in the presence of God, clothed with crowns of glory. You say that fasting is an expression of thanks to the apostles; but I will show you what is more acceptable. For instance, if we wish to please a friend, we listen to his advice, and do as he wishes. So the thanks, which are most acceptable, and should be given to God, are the doing of his will. As our Lord says, in John xiv. 21, "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." And again, verses 23, 24, "If a man love me, he will keep my words." "He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings." If you ask, what are his commands? I answer, that "whatsoever things were written, were written for our learning."

But, not to prolong this point, I select the declaration of Paul, in Col. iii. 8-10, "But now, ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth; lie not one to another, but put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him." Now, would

this argument, had I not known you, that you regard the things that are pleasing to God. Every one that is of this character, upon him be peace and mercy."

Respecting this reply of Tannoos, it ought, perhaps, to be remarked, by way of explanation, that he was helped to some of the quotations from the fathers, which are found in the first part of it. For the sentiments advanced, he is accountable. The quotations from the councils, as I had no other copy to which I could refer, have been merely translated from the Arabic, as quoted by him.

similar nature, exerted a baleful influence upon his church, which has continued to this day, and which it will cost the preachers of the Gospel much time and labor to destroy. Some of the most common religious books, now in the hands of the Arabs of the Greek church, were composed by him. The Psalms of David, as they are printed at the Mount Lebanon press, for the use of all the churches in Syria, are interspersed with prayers to the virgin, of which he is the author. Not long ago, an Arab begged of me a Psalter; but, in a few days, returned it, saying, it was imperfect. On inquiry, it appeared that its imperfection consisted in the absence of these prayers, which the poor old man had supposed to be the composition of David. His mistake was pointed out to him, and the great superiority of the in

It is interesting to see this intelligent young Arab, who but lately was a firm adherent of the prevalent superstition, now coming forward a bold and zealous champion of the truth, skilfully wielding the sword of the spirit; and confounding, if not convincing, the enemies of evangelical religion. It will be seen, from the preceding extracts, that the missionaries have good reason for "putting confidence in his prudence and usefulness;" especially when it is remembered that the truth, which he so ably defends, appears to have exerted its sanctifying power upon his heart.

Influence of the Fathers.

The superstitious veneration of the fathers of the church, so often expressed by the priest in these conversations, of which I have given you so imperfect a sketch, presents no slight difficulty to the protestant missionary in this part of the world. He finds men not acquainted with that broad line of distinction, between the Sacred Writings and all human compositions, which protestantism has so effectually drawn. On the contrary, he hears the latter appealed to as paramount authority; and sometimes, in the heat of argument, extolled above the Bible. And not the least painful circumstance is, that while such really valuable authors as Cyprian and Augustine, are rarely mentioned, the names of others, like John of Damascus, are in the mouths of every one.

This elegant writer, the most learned ecclesiastic of his age, (unless the venerable Bede of England be excepted,) by maintaining the importance and efficacy of prayers for the dead, and defending image worship, together with other errors of a

at some length. To these remarks he made no reply, but left his book.

EXTRACTS OF A LETTER FROM TANNOOS EL

HADDAD TO MR. SMITH, DATED JULY 8, 1828. SUCH unreserved letters as the following, do much towards making us acquainted with the manners and ordinary intercourse, in this ancient part of the world.

The day that you sailed, I went to visit my relatives in Kefersheema, and had hardly sat a minute before they began to make inquiries respecting the protestant religion. In reply, I answered them particularly and distinctly on every part. But fearing at last that they would do me some injury, I told them I did not come to dispute, but to visit. So each one concealed his thoughts in his own breast.

On my return, in the evening of the same day, my wife informed me, that Johannes, the Greek Catholic priest of El Mansurie, had paid her a visit, and exhorted her to change my sentiments, bringing proofs that a woman may exert great influence over her husband. She replied, "Do you wish to create a misunderstanding between me and my husband? For if I undertake what you advise, he will fall out with me and reprove me." "But," said he, "what shall we do then? must we leave him to perish along with the heretics?" "Why," replied she, "will he perish? Is your religion better than his? Or have you read the Bible more than he? But when he returns, come and talk with him." He told her, however, to endeavor to persuade me to remove to the emeer's house, where he would guide me to the truth; and then departed. I told her to say to him, if he should speak to her again, "My husband wishes to reason with you, and to

show you the truth; but you will get angry, and I wish you would both avoid relig ious controversy, that you may continue friends."

The next day he came and urged me to remove to the house abovementioned; but I excused myself. A few days after, I went to let the horse eat grass, just above the emeer's house, thinking the priest was in Beit Miry.

But about sunset he returned, and began to complain of me for not moving. 1 told him we were near enough now, to see each other every day. "No," said he, "you don't like to be near us. But I will

say no more now; come, let us go to church and pray." I told him I had a horse with me; it was near sunset; and my dinner was ready.

"Come along," said he, "enough of error. Those fellows have left the country now; and if you want support or employment, don't be troubled, for they are ready." I replied, "As to what you say about their departure, know, that I have not adopted my religion out of respect to men; nor from shame and fear; nor am I aiming at worldly things, but at those which are spiritual."

I an

"I want to ask you one question," said he, "whom will you follow? to whom do you adhere? and what is your faith? Do you adhere to the church [of Rome?] or to those heretics? or to the Greeks?" swered, "I hold to the Head, which is Christ, from whom the whole body is framed together; and him I follow. And my belief is founded on the belief of Peter and the other apostles. If their belief was right, mine is right; if theirs was wrong, mine is wrong; which God forbid!" "Will you," said he, "give up your sentiments, or dispute?" "How can I give up my sentiments;" replied I, "while the Gospel exists? and controversy I do not wish; for you will be offended."

He declared he would not; and told me to dispute if I wished. I said it was near sunset and there was no time. "Then," said he, "I will come and see you tomorrow, for I want to know all that you believe, and all that you disbelieve." I told him, I would inform him, if he would not lose his temper. He said he would not. And then I told him, "I do not, in the first place, believe in the pope. For he is a man, and a bishop like others; whereas he assumes another character, acquires to himself temporal power, and wields the sword like the nations. Now this is contrary to the will of Christ, as is proved by what he said to the disciples, when they disputed by the way who should be greatest, sharply reproving them for their ambition."

Upon this we separated, he saying, "tomorrow we will make all things plain;" and I, that I wished to be corrected if I were mistaken. He went to his church, and I to my house, praying God to give me wisdom to answer every one that asks me, and to this priest, grace to receive the truth which I may explain to him. The next day he did not come, and I have not seen him since.

Not many days after, one Sabbath morning, after the Greeks here had said mass in their church, those who have become Catholics presented themselves to say mass there also; but the Greeks prevented them. So they became greatly enraged, and one of their women ran to the little Catholic church, and brought the priest's surplice, and would have brought the cup and the other furniture for the mass, but the priest and his people prevented her, saying, It is not lawful for women to take that which is on the altar. The Catholic priest refused finally to say mass in the church of the Greeks, without their consent. "But," said his people, "we have an order from the emeer to do so, and after mass we will lock the door, and take the key to ourselves."

He said he was not subject to the emeer but. to his bishop and patriarch. Then said they, in a rage, "Go away to your bishop and your patriarch, and we will procure a hundred priests instead of you; for we will, at all events, have mass in the Greek church. The Greeks were looking on all the while, and prepared for mischief, if the Catholics should attempt to carry their point. So, after many words between the Catholic priest and his people, he went to his church, and they, seeing that they had gained nothing, followed him. And now, for more than forty days, he has not been in the village.

The letter closes with expressions of personal attachment, and of gratitude to God, that Mr. Smith had been sent to preach to the inhabitants of that land.

LETTER OF JOSEPH LAFLUFY.

THE following letter was written to Mrs. Wortabet, the sister of the writer, and to Gregory Wortabet, her husband, both at Malta. The date is July 8, 1828.

In the commencement of the letter, the writer states, that a heavy pecuniary imposition having been laid upon the district where he was, the assessment of that portion of it, which fell upon Christians, was made by a violent enemy, who took this opportunity to express his hatred of the new religion, which Joseph had professed to

believe, by laying a tax disproportionate to his means, that it was utterly impossible for him to pay it.

The inhabitants of a free country, who enjoy equal laws, know nothing of the vexations, and oppressive exactions, which are of every day occurrence, in countries under a despotism, and where the subordinate agents are rapacious, cruel, and revengeful.

Now this is very hard for me, for what I had, was spent during the plague, and I have now nothing to live upon, and pay my tax with. Wherefore I moved about, from village to village, and from one retired place to another, while the soldiers were searching for me in the suburbs of the city, until finding Keferega no longer a safe residence, I removed to Ammatoor; our brother Michael, with the family, to Gezeen; and our father to Neima; and we have determined to take up our residence among the peasantry. But, blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever. This is his will; and I, poor man, am receiving it all with thankfulness. And do not you, my beloved brother and sister, be grieved, but pray to God for us at all times.

And now, my sister, I charge you ever to love the Lord Jesus Christ, who bought us with his precious blood; let your heart be with God at all times; always think of Jesus Christ, our only Saviour; put all your hope in him, and ever be spiritually minded. Study much the holy Scriptures, and always submit to what they say; for they are profitable unto salvation; as says the apostle. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Pray at all times, without ceasing; for our Saviour has said, Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, ye shall have; and also, Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. More than this, my sister, dearly beloved in the Lord, I need not say. This letter, I have written with much weeping and with a broken heart. The Lord preserve you. Amen.

Sandwich Islands.

TOUR AROUND MAUI.

It was stated in the last number, (p. 210,) that during the summer of 1828, tours were made by the missionaries at Lahaina, accompanied by the princess and other chiefs, round the islands of Maui, Morokai, Ranai, and Kahulawe, all of which are considered as under the care of the

some of their happy results, were there mentioned. The journal of the missionaries will now be given.

The tour around Maui was made in the month of August, by Messrs. Richards, Andrews, and Green.

Commencement of the Tour.

In consequence of the additional number of laborers at this station, we have been enabled, during the past season, considerably to enlarge the sphere of its operations. Mr. Richards has for years been particularly desirous of making the tour of this island for the purpose of examining and improving the schools, &c., but having

been alone, it has been hitherto impracticable for him to leave his family for a sufficient length of time. During the present season this object has been accomplished, the particulars of which are as follows.

Monday morning, August 18, we left Lahaina with the design of making the tour of Maui. The examination of the schools in the several districts of the Islands was our primary object. We wished also to see the length and breadth of the land. To ascend its lofty mountains, cross its fruitful plains, descend into its vallies, to learn the state of the people; and, as we had opportunity, to afford them instruction. Notice of our intention had been sent round the island, so that we were every where expected. We set out in a double canoe, rowed by twelve able bodied men, and soon lost sight of Lahaina. We steered N. E., keeping the shores of Maui on our right.

About one o'clock, r. M., we reached Kalakuloa, a small village, where we commenced the examination of the schools. While preparations were making, we ascended some of the hills, which are here numerous and lofty, numbered the houses, and viewed the surrounding country. A tremendous bluff, near the place of our landing, was climbed by one of our num

ber, who for a season felt those emotions of sublimity, which are inspired by standing on the summit of a rock,

"Whose base

Beats back the roaring surge, scarce heard so high!"

In the evening, we examined the schools, which appeared very well, after which Mr. Richards addressed the people, and closed with prayer. We put up in a small native house; sat, ate, and slept on the ground, which was covered with mats.

Northern Coast of Maui.