here have first acquired the Bengalee lan- | and those Christian friends who have conguage and of course are principally engaged versed with them. in labours amongst the Hindoos. Brother Nor is this the only instance of religious Thomas, having given his attention to the instruction being attended with the effectual Hindostanee, will find abundant employ-blessing of God. The superintendant has ment among the mussulmans in the city, been recently called to attend the death-bed who amount to 10,000 at least. He will of two amiable brothers that had left the inalso give his assistance to English preach-stitution but a short time, where he witing in the Circular Road. Another department of labour to which we would now advert, is that of the Benevolent Institution, under the care of brother and sister Penney; the object of which is to train up gratuitously poor children of every class in religious and useful knowledge through the medium of the English and Bengalee languages. The number of children at present receiving instruction is 258; viz. 164 boys and 94 girls. Among this number there are to be found Europeans, Hindoos, Mussulmans, Portuguese, Indo-Britons, Chinese, Africans, Armenians, and Jews. Since the establishment of the institution, there have been fostered beneath its benevolent wing upwards of a thousand children, whose destitute circumstances would otherwise, in all probability, have doomed them to a life of ignorance, wretchedness, and vice. Instead of this, the seeds of religion and of science have been sown in their minds, which have fitted and introduced a considerable number into comfortable and respectable stations in life, that are filled with advantage and honour to themselves, and satisfaction to their employers. The different branches of knowledge in which the children are educated, are reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, history, geography, astronomy, &c. The girls are also taught needle-work and knitting. In these several branches many of the scholars have made a truly gratifying progress, especially when it is considered that they have had first to acquire the English language. It is also peculiarly pleasing to learn, that during the past year some of the Hindoo lads have greatly distinguished themselves by their diligence, and by taking the lead in almost all the classes; and two or three of them have attained such a knowledge of grammar, geography, astronomy, &c. as would not be unworthy of a British youth. From these attainments, we augur the most pleasing consequences, in undermining and overturning the influence of the Brahmins, who with the chains of ignorance have bound, and now keep in subjection a whole nation beneath their sway. But a still more delightful revolution, there is reason to hope, has taken place in the minds of two of these native youths, who have been enlightened, and their hearts imbued, with the principles and spirit of Christianity, their conduct being such as to gladden the heart of their tutor, nessed the most pleasing proofs that his labours had not been in vain in the Lord. They acknowledged the justice of God in their sufferings, testified their faith in the Son of God, and died praying for their relatives, teacher, and the whole world. Several of the youths who have been educated, and of those who are now in the institution, have evinced their great desire for Christian instruction by forming themselves into a society, which is denominated the Juvenile Society, and have invited the missionaries to instruct them in the word of life. The pleasing effects of these measures have been visible in the numerous additions from these young persons made to the church during the past year—additions which exhibit, in a striking manner, the power of divine grace in the conversion of individuals who were formerly scarcely a remove from heathenism, nay, some of them were indeed actual idolaters. It is with great pleasure also that we mention the zealous efforts of this society to spread the name of Jesus amongst nominal Christians in this city, by preaching and conducting prayer-meetings from house to house, by distributing tracts, and by establishing sabbath schools. The success which has hitherto attended their humble efforts has been a source of consolation to the missionaries. As their numbers and activity are increasing, we entertain the pleasing hope, that they will not only be useful as a little united band, but that they will, from year to year, supply individuals who, after having passed through some preparatory studies, will become useful coadjutors in the field of missionary labour. Before we close our account of the Benevolent Institution, we must not omit to mention, that although in the case of many who have left it, and gone to situations, there is no decided evidence of their conversion to God, yet very pleasing testimonies have been received from some of their employers, of their industry, honesty, and punctuality in business. The value of the Institution is evidently appreciated by the public and the government. For several years past a highly respectable lady has bestowed upon each girl a garment upon condition of her making it herself. The government have also come forward with a donation of 13,000 rupees, in order to liquidate the debts and repair the school-room of the institution. From the preceding brief view of this department of your missionaries' operations, we trust you will derive encouragement and satisfac tion, since the labour bestowed upon the wretched inhabitants of India is not without the favourable notice and blessing of God. The printing-office, conducted by brother Pearce, is gradually assuming importance, both as a means of spreading intellectual, moral, and religious truth by means of its publications, and as a source of pecuniary advantage to the mission fund. Since the last account published, there have been printed at it upwards of 70,000 tracts, or other small publications of a religious nature, in the Bengalee, Hinduwee, Sanscrit, or Hindostanee languages; with 71,000 school books, many of them of considerable size, in English, Arabic, Persian, and the languages mentioned above. Besides these, daring this period, we have printed a Commentary on the Romans in Bengalee, by brother Eustace Carey; a work on Geography, with other small publications in Bengalee by brother Pearce; with a Harmony of the Gospels in Hindostanee ; a new Translation of the Psalms, and an Epitome of Natural History in Bengalee, with various other works by brother Yates. To these may be added, a large number of literary and other works of a miscellaneous nature, and generally of a large size; the execution of which has been the source of some pecuniary advantage. DIGAH. MRS. Charlotte H. Rowe, widow VERY DEAR BRETHREN; Our beloved sister Rowe, finding her health so much impaired by the heat of the climate as in a great measure to unfit her for the labours which she has so long engaged in, is now going to Europe to recruit her strength. Her labours are well known to you, and we merely write this to say that we believe there was a pressing necessity for her taking this step, and to express our hope that she will meet with that reception among you to which her labours entitle We are, Dear Brethren, her. Very affectionately yours, Serampore, Dec. 4, 1826. The printing-office now contains founts of types, of various sizes, in the Arabic, Persian, Nagree, Bengalee, Ooriya, and Burman characters; and has attached to it a foundry, in which are not only cast supplies for our own It is but justice to Mrs. Rowe to add use, but which furnishes our missionary bre. that her voyage was delayed till thren in different parts of India with founts she had made arrangements for acin their respective characters. As typecutters, or casters, compositors or press-complishing it without incurring men, book-binders, or other servants, the any expence to the Society. PADANG. office now employs seventy persons. Among them are several native Christians, who are thus comfortably supported by their own labour. A service is held for the benefit of IN our number for March last we all the office servants twice or thrice a week, which has now been continued twelve announced the return of Mr. Evans months, and at which about one third have and his family from this station. regularly and voluntarily attended. Their It was then expected that they employment will thus, we doubt not, would return by the vessel which be the means of leading many of our servants to a pretty correct acquaintance brought them to Europe, and by with the truth of the gospel. O may it lead which a gratuitous passage was some to a saving acquaintance with its power! most kindly promised. But, on And now, dear brethren, assuring you of consulting several eminent medical gentlemen, as to the propriety of this step, their unanimous opinion was unfavourable, as they apprehended it was almost certain that the liver complaint, under which Mr. Evans formerly laboured, our affectionate interest in all your exertions, and soliciting an interest in your daily prayers, We remain, Yours affectionately and respectfully, W. YATES, J. PENNEY, J. THOMAS, G. PEARCE. would return with increased violence, in the event of his revisiting a tropical clime. Under these circumstances the Committee could not, of course, urge Mr. Evans to resume his station, and he has felt it his duty to remain at home. The following minute, in reference to this event, is extracted from the proceedings of the Committee. and were baptised in the Loll Bazar Chapel Mission Society at that time in the United Calcutta. There being no Baptist Foreign States, Mr. Rice returned to America, with a view to excite the Baptist denomination in that country, to contributions and exertions in behalf of foreign missions; while Mr. and Mrs. Judson proceeded to Rangoon, and in July 1813 joined that mission, which had been in existence about six years, and occupied principally by Mr. Chater who is now at Columbo, and by the late Mr. F. Carey. Shortly after this event Mr. Carey relinquished the station, as Mr. RESOLVED That this Committee, symChater had done some time before, and Mr. pathising with Mr. Evans underthe dispensa- and Mrs. Judson were put in possession of tion of Divine Providence which has thus all the advantages which had been accumudissolved the connexion hitherto subsisting lated to a considerable extent by their prebetween himself and the Society, assure decessors. These advantages consisted of him of their unfeigned regard and earnest a manuscript Burmese and English dictiondesire that he may be directed to some sta-ary by Mr. F. Carey, translations of parts of tion in his native country, which he may occupy with comfort to himself, and much spiritual advantage to others. Instructions have been forwarded to Mr. Bruckner to proceed to Padang, and occupy the station there in conjunction with Mr. Ward. It is believed that he can prosecute his important labours in the way of translation there as effectually as he could on the island of Java, while there will be more scope for personal exertions among the natives, than has lately been found in Java. BURMESE MISSION. the Old and New Testament, by Messrs. Chater and Carey, and an excellent Burmese grammar by Mr. F. Carey, printed and published at the Serampore press, and many valuable Burmese books. Mrs. Judson desirous of rendering herself useful to the Burmese of her own sex, commenced the study of the language, and with the means and advantages which she enjoyed, in a few years became such an able proficient in it, particularly in its colloquial use, as to converse fluently and intelligibly, with the native females on the subject of Christianity. In 1821, her health became impaired, she returned to the United States, by the way of England. While at home she published a compilation of letters and journals relating to the American Baptist Mission in the Burmese Empire. She returned in December 1823, and proceeded with Mr. Judson, who had, during her absence, been making preparations for that purpose to Ava. In the May following, the war broke out between the Bengal and Burmese governments; and during the greater part of its continuance Mr. Judson was confined in prison and chains, at and in the vicinity of Ava; she, however, remained at Death of Mrs. Judson. IT is with much concern we communicate to our readers the melan-liberty, and was permitted, though under choly intelligence of the death of Mrs. A. H. Judson, which occurred at Amherst Town, near Martaban, Oct. 24th, in the 37th year of her age. She, with Mr. Judson, was among the first Missionaries, sent out in the year 1812 from America to India, under the patronage and support of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, of the Independent denomination. Soon after their arrival in Bengal, Mr. and Mrs. Judson, with Mr. Rice, separated from that Board, difficult circumstances, to minister in some band. At the close of the war she returned degree, to the wants of her suffering huswith him to Rangoon ; from whence, in the latter part of June last, with a view to the formation of a new Missionary station, they proceeded to Amherst Town, a place which had been selected for the site of a new town, but at that time a wilderness with the exception of a few bamboo huts, erected for the accommodation of a part of a regiment of sepoys, and a few natives. Having left her in this place, as comfortable as the nature of the circumstances would permit, Mr. Judson returned to Rangoon, and proceeded their present produced among the children. I think they would have thought themselves amply repaid, and perhaps others would have been induced to go and do likewise. I should be obliged if you would publicly express our thanks for these valuable presents. with the envoy to Ava, as interpreter. Mrs. | here. I have often wished that the kind Judson, as soon as the number of the new donors could have witnessed the joy which settlers would admit, commenced a native school which, at the time of her illness, consisted of about ten pupils. Of the state of her mind at the time of her death, we have not heard any particulars. We are assured, however, that every attention in the power of an experienced physician, and a few kind acquaintances, was bestowed with anxious diligence and care. Her disease was an intermittent fever, of nearly a month's continuance. By the latest account from Rangoon, the envoy had not returned, and Mr. Judson, therefore, had still to learn the afflicting intelligence of his bereavement. KINGSTON. A letter has very recently come to hand from Mr. Knibb, dated 7th April. We have much pleasure in giving publicity to his grateful feelings, on behalf of the kindness shewn to his School. It was nobly done of the scholars at Kettering, to send their own reward books to the little negroes in Jamaica! It will, I doubt not, afford you unfeigned pleasure to be informed, that the School under my care is in a very prosperous state. When I took it, I had but eighty scholars; now I have 280, and this, though public schools have been established. I frequently have more than 240 children in attendance, which in this climate are quite enough for one to instruct. I hope that there are some appearances of piety in a few of the children; four have taken tickets as probationers for the Church this year. O, that I may have the unspeakable happiness of meeting them in heaven! The sabbath school continues much as it was when I wrote last; last sabbath was “Reward day,” and about 150 children were present. I would just remark that I have received several valuable donations of books and small articles of rewards, from kind individuals in England. One of books for the adults and children, from the Bristol Sabbath School Union, which was very acceptable; rewards of pincushions, books, &c. from some kind ladies at Liverpool, and a grant of tracts from their Tract Society, and some from Kettering, from whence the children in the sabbath school sent their own reward books to the poor children I expect to baptize about sixty on Easter Sabbath. Many of their simple narratives have evinced that the Holy Spirit has communicated to them his life-giving power. One incident I think worth mentioning. Two of the candidates, young men, dated their first serious impressions from hearing a fellow-servant read the word of God to them in the evenings, and I am truly happy to add, that they make the number six, who have joined the Church, and who attribute their conversion to the same means, The young man purchased the Bible of me, and reads it in the evenings to his fellow servants. And God has thus blessed it to the conversion of six of those in the same yard. He is now an honourable member of the Church; he was formerly a slave, but has obtained his freedom, MONTEGO BAY. Extract of a letter from Mr. Burchell to the Secretary, dated April 6, 1827. THE churches at Montego Bay and Crooked Spring are in a very pleasing and prosperous state; all our meetings are delightfully attended, and peace and brotherly love are enjoyed among us. On Sunday March 18th, I baptized seventy-five persons, who had previously given the most satisfactory evidence of their true conversion to God; the experience of some was exceedingly gratifying, and greatly encouraged and rejoiced our hearts. The members and friends of the Church were much animated by this addition to our numbers, and on the following Sabbath when the baptized were received into the Church the most pleasing spirit was manifested. It was a day of unusual interest and solemnity; there appeared to be a great shaking among the dry bones; many were moved to tears. Some enquired" What shall we do," and others who had been before seeking, were anxious to be received into communion with us, and to unite in commemorating the love of Christ. We have every reason to hope there was joy in Heaven that day by the angels of God over the conversion of poor sinners. Contributions received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from April 20 to May 20, 1827, not including individual Subscriptions. FOR THE MISSION. Legacy of Thomas Mottershaw, Esq. late of Silkmore House, near Staf ford £ s. d. ..... .£100 0 0 Legacy duty, &c... 11 0 0 89 5 11 Barton Mills, Suffolk, collected by Mr. Secker.. Leicester, Collections and Subscriptions, by Mr. John Carryer. 09999076 01378791 Great Missenden, a moiety collected by Missionary Association, by Rev. ... Watford, Subscriptions and Auxiliary Society, by Rev. John Edwards, (including 31. 18s. for Female Education). 12 Bromsgrove, collected by Messrs Harrison and Scroxton, jun....... 9 3 3 40 11 20 Plymouth, by William Prance, Esq. (in addition to 301. previously acknow- Brighton, Auxiliary Society, and Subscriptions, by Mr. Bailey. .... North of England Auxiliary, Maryport, by Rev. R. Pengilly .Donation 10 10 0 Donation 100 Donation 0 10 1 0 Manchester, York Street Chapel, Youth's Auxiliary Society, by Mr. J. P. Further Contributions for the Female Schools in Calcutta have been received during the last month, from the Females of the Church at Tottlebank, Lancashire; Friends of Missions, Frome; Friends at Brighton; and Mrs. Blakemore, Birmingham. Thanks are returned to Mr. Barton, of Wallop, for a parcel of Magazines. Our much esteemed Frome Correspondent, T. F. N. may be assured that no such impression as he mentions will be made by the sentence alluded to. Littlewood and Green, Printers, 15 Old Bailey. |