we have but one candidate for baptism. There | guide to a number of people, who call him has been some fluctuation in the congrega- their Dhurma Pita, or religious father, and tion, partly owing to removals; but if we themselves his Dhurma Pootramana, or rehave lost some, we have gained others, so ligious sons. that we have not decreased. Indeed, I hope we have reason still to expect a gradual increase. O for a blessing on the word! this is the great desideratum, but of this I am constrained to speak in very measured terms. There is cause to lament over the want of vital religion amongst professors, as well as on account of the paucity of conversions among sinners. Lord revive us,' is our prayer. Our present number of members is, I believe, ninety-six; of these about twenty are placed at a distance in the country; the others, to the number of seventy or upwards, I have the pleasure of meeting at the Lord's table every month. Our brethren Gorachund and Chodron, continue to labour as before. A widow lady has requested Gorachund to preach at her house every week: her servants manifest a desire to hear the gospel. In my last, I mentioned a man from Sebuk Ram's village, who seemed inclined to join us, but I have heard nothing more of him. I fear that although he may be convinced of the truth of the gospel, he dare not own Christ before men. The chain of caste is indeed broken, but it is sufficiently strong to bind many to their everlasting ruin." The following article is extract ed from the Auxiliary Missionary Herald, published by our MisMissionaries in Calcutta, for the month of January in the present year. The account contained in it, affords another proof that light is beginning to dawn, in various ways, on different parts of the immense continent of India. The letter, we apprehend, was written from Orissa, by one of the Missionaries stationed there, in connexion with the General Baptist Missionary Society. October 10, 1826. "The last three days have been the most interesting I have passed in India. On Saturday, brother L. sent for me to come and visit some people, respecting whom we have for the last eight or nine months been somewhat interested. It appears, that some time since they met with a tract containing the Ten Commandments, which arrested their attention, and especially the attention of an old man, who, like many others in India, is a Gooroo or spiritual · They came to our station, at least some of them; made some interesting inquiries, and obtained other tracts, and in some of their visits a Gospel and Testament. During brother L.'s visit to Pooree for three months, they made one or two calls, and soon after his return, another which excited more interest in them than had been before felt, and brother L. and myself determined on paying them a visit, to see and converse with the old man, their gooroo. We had determined on visiting them on Monday the 9th instant; but on Saturday they came, and brother L, having sent for me, as mentioned above, we talked to them, nine in number, for about three hours. It appears that they have read the books with very great attention, and understand, to a surprising degree, their meaning. A Bramin in particular is extraordinarily acquainted with them, and quoted in the course of our conversation, many very striking and appropriate passages, such as, Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord,' &c. and the different characters that should enter heaven, the necessity of a new heart, and others too numerous to write in detail; but the Ten Commandments, to which they are wonderfully attached, and which they make the standard of their moral conduct, and refer to incessantly, they all seem to have at their tongue's end. One principal object of their present visit was to ask our advice in a pleasing and surprising affair. It appears, that in addition to their keeping the Sabbath, and assembling on that day to read the Dhurma Shastras (which they learnt from their favourite Dos Agya, or Teu Commandments,) their Dhurma Pita ledge they had obtained through other vilthought it their duty to spread the knowlages, and accordingly sent some of his disciples for that purpose; but the Bramins, in perfect consistency with what the friends of religion have always experienced, were filled with enmity, and assembling and incensing the villagers, loaded the disciples with abuse, and beat two of them unmercifully, and they wanted our advice what course to pursue. We pointed out to them, that such treatment they must certainly expect, if they loved the Saviour, and chose the way of life; and that it was what the friends of Jesus had ever met with. We read to them the 10th and 11th verses of the 5th of Matthew, and other similar passages, and recommended patient suffering under their persecutions. In that they seemed to have anticipated our advice, and were quite willing to abide by it: but as we had determined on visiting them and their Dhurma Pita on Monday, we proposed points of doctrine, yet the correctness of his ideas on others, and his peculiar method of conveying them, often drew forth tears, and smiles, and wonder, and gratitude. We spent the day with him, with the exception of about an hour, when he went to eat, and brother L. and myself partook of a meal of rice and milk. We spent the remainder of the time in talking to the people, who it seemed would not leave us for a moment. When the old gentleman returned, and we again seated ourselves on the cloth, and the disciples around us, the old man's instructions, and generally his replies, were delivered in the form of parables or fables, which were generally very striking. He often referred to the Dos Agya, viz. Ten Command a further consideration of the subject at that time. On the next day, Lord's day, eleven of their number came down to my honse during our English service; and after that was over, we had another long and interesting conversation of several hours, when it was agreed that most of them should return, and one remain and accompany us in the morning. I accordingly went to brother L.'s to sleep, to be ready to start early in the morning; and just as we were going to have worship, three of them came in and joined us, one a messenger from the old man. It was exceedingly interesting to see them bow with their faces to the ground, and in that position remain and join with as in the worship of the blessed and glorious God, to whom all flesh shall assuredly come.ments, which were his standard. In referWe seemed transported back to the times ring to the death of Christ, he illustrated it of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. After by supposing the case of a criminal, conworship two departed, and our messenger demned to die, for whom another offers aloue remained to be our guide in the morn- himself as a substitute. In speaking of the ing. We were up about four, and between folly of the distinctions of caste, he pointed five and six, after a short prayer for our first to some cloths of a bearer in one place, Heavenly Father's blessing and presence, which were spread out to dry, in another we set off. The place appeared to be about place to cloths of another caste, and lastly six or seven miles off, in a very retired to some maitre's cloths, the lowest caste, situation, which we reached about 9 o'clock. and said they would be defiled if they touchOn our arrival, we found some coarse cloths ed one another; but pointing to the sun, spread on the ground beneath a large tree, said that it dried them all. His observawhich was the place prepared for our con- tions were generally introduced by Hear ference. Several of the disciples and vil- hear, hear children, attend. Not thinking lagers were assembled: the old man soon of returning that night, we did not bid the made his appearance, and a striking one it old gentleman farewell when we parted ; was. He appeared to be about 50 years of but afterwards, thinking it better to go age, rather below the middle stature, inclin-home and come again another day, we foling to corpulency. Round his waist he wore an iron chain, to which was attached a small piece of cloth, which passing through the legs, was fastened behind, being barely sufficient for the purposes of decency, even according to a Voishnubu's ideas of that principle. Over his shoulder was thrown his mantle. His head was quite bald. his approaching us, he saluted us by prostrating himself on the ground, and knocking the earth with his forehead. We of course did not let him remain long in that position, but raising him up, saluted him in return in our European style, by a shake of the hand. He expressed himself much pleased at our visiting him; and after some preliminaries, we seated ourselves tailor fashion on the cloth. Our conversation, of course, soon turned upon religion. Although it appeared that the old man could not read, yet we were frequently surprised at the correct scriptural knowledge he possessed on many subjects. The Bramin to whom I formerly alluded, it seems has read over attentively to him the books we had given to them; and by the help of a strong mind and retentive memory, the old gentieman had acquired mach information. Although we found that he still was in error on several important lowed him to his little hut, where he found the old man at prayer. We waited till he had finished, and then took our opportunity of looking into his house, but could see nothing in the shape of an idol. We then parted with mutual good wishes; and after some trouble in breaking away from the On people, reached home in safety, and found all well. God be praised! We have seen some of the disciples seve ral times since, and have tried to give them more correct notions respecting the individuality of the soul, an idea which seems almost, if not entirely unknown in Hindooism. I was much surprised and delighted one evening, on going to a spot where we are in the habit of preaching, to find it occupied by brother L. and the Bramin, and that the latter was talking to a great crowd of people. He spoke with great fluency and affection, and the auditors listened with astonishment. In the course of the little time I was with him, he read and illustrated the Ten Commandments, recommended the death of Christ, and boldly maintained the doctrine of the individuality of the human soul, Their error on this subject is a wonderful obstacle to our intercourse with them and a fruitful source of pride to the Bramins, who represent themselves as the special re- | the roads so as to render them impassable. cipients of the divine essence. May the Lord be with him and us, and make us the means of spreading his soul-saving truth through benighted Orissa. We have since paid the old gentleman another visit; but it was rather an unfavourable time, as most of his disciples were absent, some of them at a distance about the forementioned affair. On the whole we were rather better pleased with the old gentleman this time than we were before. He wishes us to build a little bungalow in the village, and go and live there occasionally this will at least engage our consideration." SUMATRA. Our readers were informed, in our number for June, of the reasons which rendered it inexpedient for Mr. Evans and his family to return to this island, as had been intended. It was hoped, notwithstanding, that Mr. Ward might have maintained the station at Padang; and that Mr. Bruckner might, with advantage, have been associated with him there. But later accounts sufficiently prove that until a decided alteration takes place in the state of affairs between the natives and their European masters, there is no rational ground to expect that any thing can effectually be done for the propagation of the gospel there. It has been resolved, therefore, to send instructions to Mr. Ward to remove to Bengal, as soon as ever suitable arrangements can be made for the disposal of the premises at Padang, belonging to the Society. Of the nature of the difficulties to which we have alluded, our readers will be able to form an opinion from the following extract of a letter from Mr. Ward to Mr. Evans, lately received: "Padang has been, and still is in a state of great alarm. The Colonel lately went to Menangkabow, intending to return through the Tujah Kota district, and sent orders to clear the roads. Instead of obeying, the Natives cut down the trees and choked up Hearing of this he sent a party of soldiers from the interior, and ordered another party from Priaman to meet them, with orders to burn the villages. The Natives prepared to receive them, and the first party after expending all their ammunition, retreated under cover of their bayonets; the one from Priaman were cut to pieces, only one soldier escaping. Yesterday we learnt that the Colonel's baggage was captured; had he been a day later, he would himself have been intercepted. Troops were dispatched this morning in pursuit. Communication with the interior is now dangerous if practicable, and I fear the business will not rest here. War has actually commenced; it is impossible to say where it will end, and the least to be expected is the loss of the interior. All the troops are sent away and the military duties fall upon the inhabitants. All are obliged to take arms. I got off myself with much difficulty though I furnish four men. You will infer from this the prospects of the mission are not improved but become much stronger. I have given up on the contrary the inducements to abandon drawing the allowance for the school, in consequence of the extreme embarrassment of the Government: the Colonel and others tried to dissuade me from distributing books, but I have paid no regard to them, and have been tolerably successful. They receive the last Edition of John, willingly, and I hope the whole will soon go off: the first time I went into the bazar, I could have distributed more than a hundred. I am going on at press with the Scripture history which will make a volume of a hundred pages small type." It is undoubtedly very painful efforts for the advantage of a nuto be compelled to suspend our merous body of ignorant heathen, who appear not unwilling to receive instruction, and for whom it is actually prepared. But these conduct whose path is in the great are among the mysteries of His waters, and whose footsteps are not known. There is encouragement after all, in the recollection that these populous and fertile islands are included in the grant made to the Redeemer, and shall assuredly, in the end, be taken possession of as his inheritance. The Lord hasten it in his time: and let not his people forget to pray that an effectual door may speedily be opened among them for the entrance of that Gospel which is life and peace! SOUTH AFRICA. you received the £20 which was directed to your care for the use of the Baptist Misbut if you knew all the difficulties we have sionary Society. The sum was but small, had to grapple with, you would think it very handsome. Besides this, we have made two collections for the London Missionary Society; one to assist in a mission to the poorest and most degraded of all the African tribes, namely, the Bushmen; the other to aid in building a chapel at Algoa bay, for the use of the Hottentots residing there. dered, is as well as might be expected, The state of religion here, all things consiThe Wesleyans have a large chapel, and are pretty well attended. They have also three chapels in the country, within about Our Readers will have noticed, in the Report just published, that mention is made of a contribution of 201. from a Baptist church at Graham's Town, South Africa. A letter has lately been received from Mr. Duxbury, the pastor of that church, containing some interesting particulars respecting its state and prospects. After ac-erect a chapel at Port Francis, between 30 knowledging, in grateful terms, the receipt of some books for their Sunday School, he remarks—, "Our Sabbath School, on the whole, prospers: the children, who are all of English parents, improve in reading and in singing; aud, considering the heathenish state of the Colony, it is pleasing to hear their infant voices lifted to proclaim the glories of God and the Lamb, in songs of praise. I hope the children make progress in knowledge; we endeavour to instil into their minds the important truths of revealed religion, and as the seed of divine truth is sown among them, I hope it will spring up, in some thirty, in some sixty, and in some an hundred fold. New-year's day, was held the anniversary of the School, when the children repeated portions of Scripture, and Young's Night Thoughts. They were afterwards treated with dinner and tea. About 100 children, besides a number of friends, partook with them of the repast, among whom were two Missionaries of the London Society, and two of the Wesleyan missionaries. One of the latter gave the children an exhortation. You will doubtless feel desirous of information respecting the church here. We are not without our little trials and discouragements, and yet we are not without proofs of the divine approbation. Our chapel is well attended, and we have lately had an increase of six, who had been members before of Baptist churches; part of the six having recently come from England; and on Christmas eve we had six added to us by Baptism. It was a pleasing sight, and excited consider able interest in the town. I have the plea sure to inform you that four others are look ing forward to the enjoyment of gospel ordinances and church fellowship. I hope 30 miles of Graham's Town, and another building at Somerset, about 90 or 100 miles from this place. They intend to and 40 miles off; they have also three Missionary stations among the Caffres; one particularly under the ministry of a Mr. Shaw in a very flourishing state. Our In dependent friends are endeavouring to raise chapel in part built, and preaching in a schoo a cause in Graham's Town; they have a patronage of the London Society. There room by one of the missionaries under the is a large church building here also, which is so far finished as to be covered in, and when completed, will I suppose seat from 1500 to 1800, so that the inhabitants will not have to complain of the want of means in this town. removed from British churches, placed alone, Think, my dear Sir, of our situation, far the only church of our denomination on a vast continent, surrounded by numerous nominal Christians of our own country; say savage heathen tribes, and living amongst my dear friend, if we do not need the notice not cast down, we are persuaded that the and sympathy of our brethren, yet we are Lord has established a church here, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail." HOME PROCEEDINGS. SOUTH DEVON. THE Friends of the Mission in this district have had the pleasure of receiving at their meetings this year, as a deputation from the Parent Society, the Secretary and Dr. Steadman. The visit of these, their highly-esteemed brethren, was rendered additionally interesting to many Christian friends, by the recollection of intercourse for merly enjoyed with them, during their stated ministerial labours at Plymouth and Plymouth Dock (now Devonport). May the spirit of enlarged benevolence and diligent exertion be shed down on the churches in this vicinity, that they may always abound in the work of the Lord! NOTICE. S. N. Sermons on behalf of the Mission were preached on the first and second Sabbaths in July, by Dr. Steadman, at Bovey Tracey, Devonport, and Plymouth; and by Mr. Dyer, at Modbury, Kingsbridge, Plymouth, The Ninth Anniversary of the and Devonport; at each of which towns also Bristol and Bath Auxiliary Baptist public meetings were held. The attendance at Plymouth and Devon- Missionary Society, will commence port was less favourable than at the last Tuesday the 30th of October. The year's meetings, in consequence of an un- Rev. E. Carey and W. Yates from avoidable coincidence with the anniversary Calcutta, the Rev. Isaiah Birt, and services of the Church Missionary Society, the Rev. John Mack of Clipston, and the visit to the Port of the Lord High Admiral. are expected to preach. Contributions received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from August 20 to September 20, 1827, not including individual Subscriptions. Legacy of the Rev. Samuel Bull, late of Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire.... 10 0 Legacy of Mrs. Mary Ostle, late of Toll Square, near North Shields, by Mr. ..... Wm. Ostle, Executor ... Shrewsbury, Collection after Sermons by Messrs. Carey and Statham... Loughton, Collection after a Sermon by Rev. E. Carey. ༤. 19 19 7 2 ... 3 6 11 7 12 0 Fakenham, Baptist Congregation, by Rev. Mr. Thompson (Sabbath School 4s. 7d.) ..... Guilsborough, Collection, by Rev. W. Gray.. Tewkesbury, (including Translations, 51. 3s.; Female Schools, 171. 17s. 6d.) 61 12 6 .... 75 12 4 28 0 0 Donation 20 0 0 Thos. Adderley, Esq. Great Surrey-street, by Rev. James Upton.. 'Jethro' M. H. (Native Schools) by the Secretary... Collected by the Rev. James Coultart, towards a Female School in Kingston, Jamaica. |