Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 590

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Tenets of the Budhists.

Ост.

Manuscript copies of the version of this New Testament are already, we presume, in the hands of most of the missionaries now in China; and we understand that it is the purpose of different parties to put it immediately to press, said parties filling up the blanks so as to ac- cord with their own respective views. This early printing of the ver- sion will not we hope, prevent it from receiving the closest possible examination by all the missionaries, with a view to further improve- ments, ere the separation of the Committee. We rejoice to know that several very able and competent judges have declared themselves high- ly pleased with the version. A variety of opinions however, there doubtless will be; and it will be strange indeed if all are favorable. We say, Give it a full and fair trial; and to such as have the ability, we say, Improve it all you can. Whoever will point out its errors, and bring forward suggestions requisite for their correction, will do good service.

We have also received a copy of the following Preamble and Resolution adopted by the Committee of Delegates on the New Tes- tament, Shanghai, August 11th, 1850.

"WHEREAS & diversity of opinion exists respecting the intention of this "Committee in regard to criticisms and suggestions which may be may sent "to them for the improvement of their version, after it shall have been put to press; and whereas all the Delegates forming this Committee have been "elected members of the Committee on the Old Testament, therefore un- "animously

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“Resolved, that this Committee will give all due attention to the criticisms "and suggestions, which may be sent to them, as well after as before the "version is put to press; and that they do not propose to put the version out "of their hands, finally, till such time as the Committee on the Old Testa- "inent is prepared to take the same step in regard to its version.”

ART. VI.

Tenets of the Budhists, and laws respecting their idols in Siam. By A Correspondent.

BUDHISM is a system of atheism. According to its religious teachers and their sacred books, they have no God, no supreme Being who made the world, whom they fear or venerate, or who will call them to account, or reward or punish them for their deeds. Reward follows merit, and punishment follows wickedness, as a certain consequence. Hence an accumulation of good deeds such as building temples and