Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-07-25

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the warrior, but especially TO the chris
tian. II is but a short time since my ar
rival, and l have not yet had time TO learn
much of the country. Every thing, how.
lever, indicates TO me, the political, the
literary, and, above all, the religious
wretchedness OF the people. Here the
combined influence of barbarous despo-
tisE and superslisious ignorance has been
felt in all its desOlating and degrading
force. 1t Is affecting TO see the Jews, who
have been the means of the greatest reli-
gious blessings to the world, and the
Greeks, who have stood foremost ID arts
and arms, now all held in degrading and
protracied seryitude. There is the land
of darkness and disorder. There is not
such thing as a newspaper. or period
ical work, Of any sort, published 10 all
Turkey. Female education is scarcely
thought Of. Many Turks and others
have no education at all. The Greeks
have some schools, 10 which their sons
are taught merely the first rndiments of
learning, seldom any thing more.
Such is the despotism Of the supreme
and the subordinate governments, that
Ipriyate properly is very insecure aud
there are few inducements to enterprize
and industry. Could the benign influ-
leDce OF uuaduIterated christianity be felt
here, who can estimate the happy effects
which would result from il You will re-
joice with me that the prospect increases.
Among other methods adopted to effecl
this, / will mention particularly a Bible
Society in this city. The Russian
French, Italian, Spanish. Dutch and Eng.
fish Consuls are all members Of it. Bul
The whole number of members is very
small. The scriptures are just beginning
to circulate. Many, there is reason 10
hope, will be glad 10 receive them.
hope the day is not very far distant, when
the bible will be read 10 Turkey as it is
in America.
The generous appropriation which you
made last year. has been RENTED TO our
brethren 10 Ibdia, TO assist them Ia circu-
lating the word OF God. Probably, before
receiving this letter, you will have made
another annual appropriation, in aid OF
the same object. My object in writing
now, is to inform you. that the way seems
open for circulating the scriptures 10 this
country. i am now learning inc ian
guages Of the country, and intend to
make it one of my principal objects 10
distribute bibles 10 differeui Languages.
Should il be yonr pleasure. brethren, 70
make an appropriation next year, 10 aid
of this object, il will be very gratefully
received, and devoted to the object. The
two extensive countries, India and Turs
key, 10 which there are so many ignorant
and wretched beings, seem now to afford
an opportunity for introducing the bles-
sings of the gospel. Ia what more be.
nevolent or more honorable work can
our masonick brethren in America en-.
gage, than 10 sending light TO those who
are in darkness If we are the children of
the light, let us prove that We prefer light
TO darkness, and that We wish others to
enjoy what is granted TO US.
May the Father of light graciously
preside in all your meetings. and his Holy
Spirit make you fit to dwell 10 his temple
above. and there may you meet many
who have been guided thither by bibles
circulated by your charity. With ma
sonick attachment, yours,
PLINY FISK.
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