in the breast and left side. It is much to be apprehended that his most active days are over: he, however, superintends the labours of some Native Converts, and renders them useful to a much greater extent than I expected. Of this usefulness of the Native Converts, the Archdeacon gives the most gratifying evidence. He heard two Sermons, prepared by Mr. Bowley, read by Charles Doss, whose name has often been men tioned, in such a manner as to rivet the attention of the Natives present. Of another Native Convert, the Archdeacon says I rode into the Bazaar, and found Christian Tryloke, accompanied by the Missionaries, exhorting a crowd, from whence they adjourned to the Chapel. Charles read the account of our Lord's Discourse with the Woman of Samaria, with a commentary, and some appropriate observations of his own: after which, Kewal Messeeh, the Brahmin whom I baptized here in 1828, struck up a hymn of his own composing, in native measure: it was peculiarly adapted to excite the attention of the Natives, being quite in their own taste: a few Christians joined with him. Then Tryloke read a Sermon, on joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth: his prayer after the Sermon was put up with great fervour; and the way in which he pleaded for his countrymen and kindred was very affecting: he seemed, indeed, in an agony on their account. The Baptism of Three Men on Sunday the 14th of December was mentioned at p. 326. On this occasion, the Church was nearly full of Natives, both baptized and unbaptized. Mr. Wilkinson, who had come over from Goruckhpore, preached, in Hindoostanee, on the Baptism of the Eunuch; and the Rev. Charles Friend, lately arrived at the Station, read Prayers in the same language, which leads the Archdeacon to remark Though every thing has been done by Mr. Bowley which his state of health would admit of, yet his own animation is wanting to render these Services interesting to the Unconverted. It is a subject of much thankfulness, therefore, that Mr. Friend is so far advanced in the knowledge of Hindoostanee, and will so soon be able to meet the wants of this people. He will also afford instruction to Charles; and, perhaps, to some others of the Native Converts, who appear to possess ability and inclination to seek the salvation of their neighbours. The Archdeacon thus expresses himself, generally, with reference to this Station : How far prejudices and evil surmises are abated, may be judged of by the fact of the Cutwal, and several of the most respectable class of inhabitants, attending frequently on the preaching of the Word. That several promising Converts, especially Tryloke and Charles, should have been raised up, may be also viewed as an encouraging circumstance. Considering, indeed, the long ill-health both of the Rev. Thomas Morris and Mr. Bowley, it seems a matter of surprise, that the religious state of the Station should not have deteriorated: on the contrary, a steady advance may be traced: and if the labour of the husbandman be exerted and his patience called into exercise according to the Scripture Rule, doubtless the harvest will follow, and righteousness and praise to Jehovah be gathered from these Nations also. Archdeacon Corrie's Remarks on the Benares Mission. Mr. Steward, the Master of Jay Narain's School, has conducted Public Service, since Mr. Adlington's departure, once on Sundays, to the Hindoostanee Congregation; and has read a Sermon translated from the English, usually one of the Rev. Edward Cooper's. The Archdeacon writes Some of the Congregation expressed to me their gratitude for his attention to them. An Address, signed by thirtyfive persons, was sent to me, stating the service which he had rendered to them, and begging that he might not be precluded from still ministering to them. During the whole year now nearly closed, Mr. Steward has had sole charge both of the School and the Chapel: in neither have any falling-off appeared. The Archdeacon, having heard the Rev. Ralph Eteson, lately arrived with Mr. Friend, read the Service in Hindoostanee, observes, with reference to them both They read so as to be perfectly understood by the Congregations; and, if health and life be continued to them, promise to be a great benefit to the affairs of the Mission in this quarter. Arriving, too, when Mr. Adlington had been obliged to leave the Station, Mr. Morris also absent from ill health, and Mr. Bowley in a great measure laid aside, a new face is given to the Society's prospects here; and the fact which I have stated, of their already taking an active share in public duties, sufficiently speaks for their own spirit and diligence. In each having the advantage of intelligent Native Christians to read the Lessons for them, a further present benefit arises to the people; while Mr. Steward will continue for a time to supply a translated Sermon here, as Charles Doss does one at Chunar prepared by Mr. Bowley and, very soon, the help thus obtained may be used to extend the benefits of Public Worship, in respect both of times and places. Diffusion of Christian Knowledge by the Scriptures. The Archdeacon mentions, among the favourable proofs of the increase of Christian Knowledge, the following instances of individuals who had received Portions of the Scriptures or Tracts, and made them known at their respective homes: in One person received a portion of the New Testament at Allahabad; and carried it to his village, eighteen kos distant, in the territory of Oude: his friends and neighbours gathered round, from time to time, to hear him read this new work; till the usual effects began to appear, the displeasure of some and the approbation of others: this man lately came to Allahabad, to consult with the friend who related the circumstance, as to what course he should pursue, being himself persuaded of the truth of the Christian Doctrine, but afraid of the displeasure which had already been manifested by some of his neighbours. Another man, a Fakeer, had received a Tract from Mr. Bowley: he carried it home to his village, in Goruckhpore. A brother of his, a Thanadar in that district, had, about the same time, received a Hindoostanee New-Testament from Mr. Wilkinson. The two brothers now reside together; and their attachment to the new way taught in these books is known, and excites attention to their readings and conversation on the subject August, 1829. of what they read. I was also told, just before leaving Benares, that a Boy, taught in one of the Benares Schools of the Church Missionary Society, has been adopted by a Fakeer well known there; and that this lad reads his New Testament, which he takes with him from the school, to those who come to the temple from time to time, and shews much attachment to Christian Truth. General View of the two Stations. Mr. Corrie adds, in reference to this sphere of his earliest labours as a Chaplain I may be allowed to express my own feelings of grateful admiration of the condescension and care of Divine Providence, in respect of these scenes of my early Ministry in India. In the view of the present means of efficient instruction, all the discouragements attending first beginnings, and all the anxiety arising from subsequent interruptions, are forgotten. Events must be left, and may be humbly and confidently left, to Him, whose never-failing Providence ordereth all things both in heaven and in earth;" and who is especially engaged to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all Israel also shall be turned to the Lord. 66 MADRAS. From the Eighth Report of the Auxiliary Society, we shall collect the most recent accounts of this Mission. Native Congregations. The Rev. W. Sawyer, who had charge of the Native Department of the Mission, has, since the delivery of the Eighth Report, proceeded on a visit to England; his place being supplied by the Rev. P. P. Schaffter. Divine Service is regularly performed at stated periods, in the five following places-Madras, Perambore, Tripasore, Poonamallee, and Chingleput: in the first two, the Service is conducted by the Rev. W. Sawyer; and in the last three places, by Catechists stationed in those places for that purpose. Mr. Sawyer makes the following judicious remarks on these Congregations: In the Mission Church, Black Town, Madras, there is one Native Service on the Sunday, and one during the week. The attendance on ordinary occasions is encouraging; being now, on an average, 170, including the Boys of the different Schools who 3 B come regularly to Church. Much cannot be stated as to the flourishing condition of this Congregation, viewed spiritually: there is a great, even remarkable decency and propriety of behaviour in Church; and it is hoped, that some have a measure of experience: but, of the generality, it must be confessed, that, although they exhibit abundance of the leaves of profession, but little of the fruit of righteThe ousness is to be found upon them. Catechist, Mr. E. Dent, preaches in the Parcherry on a Thursday Evening to the Roman Catholics, and others, in the commodious native house occupied as the Second School. With regard to the Congregation at Perambore, which is principally made up of Christions from Pursevalkum and the neighbour hood, including the residents on the Premises at Perambore, I should be sorry to give too flattering accounts. As it is yet but in its infancy, much cannot be expected. The great object of building the Church is, however, most abundantly answered; and the Heathens, from every quarter, have constant opportunity of hearing the Word of God, which is daily read or expounded, at the Church Porch. It is impossible to calculate the number of persons, who, from time to time, stand at the doors and windows: just in proportion to the energy and efficiency of the Preacher, is the number of persons who remain during the Sermon: when it is considered, that not less than 20,000 persons pass near the door of this Church, every New Moon, to one single place of pilgrimage; and that to all who pass by, there are the means of hearing the words of everlasting life; it may be hoped, that future years may witness its saving blessings. The Congregation at Poonamallee is under the care of a Catechist, who is very diligent, and, I believe, sincerely desirous of doing his duty in the charge committed to him. In addition to three regular Services during the week, he visits the people at their own houses, and, by an affectionate manner, endears himself to all. I have been in the habit of visiting this Station at least once a month, at times oftener. The general average attendance has been about 40, including some Young Men from the School. At Chingleput, though there is a good and commodious School-room, Service cannot be frequently performed in it, in consequence of the Catechist having a more important call to the Jail; where, every Sunday, he shews to the poor prisoners the way of Salvation. The few persons who used to attend the Service in the School-room, are Roman Catholics; and can now attend at the Jail, if they are so disposed. Of Tripasore, not here mentioned by Mr. Sawyer, the Auxiliary Committee say Tripasore, it is well known, is an invalid station for pensioned soldiers and their families. It is stated to be a very large and important field of labour. The Schoolmaster in this place, as was stated above, has also charge of the Native Con gregation; and although there is nothing chargeable on his moral character or conduct, yet he is said to be very far from equal to the important duties of his station. He preaches three times every week, and visits the people whenever he finds opportunity for so doing. English Services. The English Department of this Mission has uninterruptedly experienced the fostering care of the Rev. James Ridsdale, since the last Report was published and that his labours have been owned and blessed of God, will appear in the sequel. The Mission Church in Black Town has been found too small and confined, to contain the increasing numbers who attend Mr. Ridsdale's Services, especially in the evening; and the Madras Government, with its accustomed liberality, has again contributed Rupees 2800 for its enlargement and better ventilation; and for erecting a small gallery, to contain the English-School Children. Other improvements have also been made; toward defraying the expenses of which, the Madras Church Missionary Association has contributed 400 Rupees. The English Services have been conducted three times every week in this Church on Sunday Morning and Evening, and on Tuesday Evening. The following observations respecting this very interesting Congregation are extracted from Mr. Ridsdale's last report: The Congregations assembling in the Mission Church have been nearly doubled since the publication of the Committee's last Report. During that period, it has pleased the Father of Mercies to give success to the Ministry of the Word: eight persons have been brought to a saving knowledge of the Truth, respecting whom there is every satisfactory evidence there are several others, of whom the most pleasing hopes may reasonably be entertained; but these eight are striking instances of the power of Grace, and call for the most devout thanksgiving to the God of Salvation. The number of Communicants is about 60: several of these are Young Persons who have been admitted since the last Confirmation, and who encourage the belief that they are growing up in the fear of God. The Communicants, with but few exceptions, walk consistently; and afford reason to hope, that they have passed from death unto life. On the eve of the Communion Sabbath, an especial meeting for the Communicants is held; when the Scriptures are expounded with prayer, and the necessity of Christian consistency and decision, in public and private life, is more especially enforced : on these occasions, about 30 members attend. The expenses of lighting the Church, and its occasional repairs, are borne by the people. In the month of January 1828, the inhabitants of a very populous part of Madras, John Pereira's Garden, which is situated at a considerable distance from every Place of Worship, at which they can attend, solicited Mr. Ridsdale to establish an Evening Service among them, which he most readily assented to; and, since that period, he has regularly conducted Divine Service, in a house rented for that purpose, every Friday Evening. Mr. Ridsdale makes the following observations on this Congregation, in his Report : The average attendance has been about 90, and the decorum and attention of the Congregation are most pleasing and encouraging. Since the commencement of the Service, they have contributed 163 rupees toward the expenses; and several have become frequent attendants at the Mission Church. Seminary. we Looking on institutions merely human, there are few, probably, which should feel disposed to contemplate with greater interest and hope, than an establishment for the education of persons who are designed to be Instructors of the rising generation, and Publishers of the Gospel of Peace. Every thing connected with such an establishment, and espe cially its advancement in Divine Knowledge, is interesting. Mr. Sawyer bears the most pleasing testimony to the general character and deportment of his pupils. On their religious instructions, he has the following remark : With regard to the moral and religious instruction of the Boys, it may be remarked, that two hours of every day are devoted to a regular Exposition of the Holy Scriptures and to Prayer; and it is hoped, that these means may be effectual, in the hand of the Spirit, to their spiritual improvement and future usefulness. The general state of the Seminary, and the progress of the Youths in other knowledge, are thus described by Mr. Sawyer: The number of Boys at present in the Seminary at Perambore, is 40; of whom 25 are Natives, who, together with four Countryborn Youths, are supported altogether at the expense of the Society. Four Country-born Boys contribute more or less to their own maintenance, and six others defray the whole of their expense. Three of the Seminarists have left the Institution during the past year. The first of the three, Edward Dent, is now employed as a Catechist in the Mission, with great prospects of usefulness: Abraham, after having been in the subordinate situation of an Assistant in the First School, has been appointed to the charge of a School in Madras: and Daniel is now engaged in the care of a School lately established at Arcot, under the auspices of the Rev. Mr. Smith, Chaplain at that station. The other Youths are advancing in their studies; and, as opportunity offers, will be sent out to the work of the Lord among their countrymen: those who are qualified for Schoolmasters or Catechists can speedily be engaged; and those, whose talents are of a different turn, may be usefully employed as Accountants or superior servants. During the past year, the Seminarists have made considerable progress in their Tamul, Teloogoo, and English Studies. The Senior Class in English are reading the History of England and Murray's Reader, on alternate days; and commit to memory the English Grammar, Goldsmith's Geography, and Stillingfleet's Catechism: the First Class in Teloogoo read the Testament, and translate Teloogoo into Tamul: the Tamul First Class are considerably advanced, some having read many of the best Native Works. The Lower Classes are following up as fast as time will allow them, and some will soon become good scholars. Among the Country-born Youths, eight are reading introductory books in Latin. Native Boys' Schools. There are 19 Boys' Schools connected with the Native Department of the Mission, which contain 766 Scholars. Of these Schools the Auxiliary Committee report They have been under active superintendence. Those in Madras have admitted of a greater supervision than those more remote; both from Mr. Sawyer, and the Superintendant of Schools: the Schools most distant from Madras have, however, been visited by Mr. Sawyer every three months; and, during the intervening period, he has sent the eldest and most efficient Youths in his Seminary for the same purpose. This System has the double advantage of keeping the Schoolmasters perpetually on the alert, and also of training up these Youths for their future labours. Mr. Sawyer gives the following general account of them : It may be remarked, generally, concerning the Schools, that the children are desirous of instruction; and have no objection to have the truths of the Christian Religion explained to them. Our Christian Books are introduced into many Schools; and the Master is expected to devote the best part of the day to the reading and study of them with the Boys. The New Testament is read by the First Class of every School: and it is the duty of the School Inspector to explain every verse which is read; as well as the Catechisms, which the children commit to memory. Respecting the English School in the Mission Compound, Mr. Sawyer remarks The English School in the Mission Compound, at present, contains 70 Boys; 60 of whom are regular in their attendance. A considerable number of Indo-Britons have received their education in this School, and some of them are now filling respectable situations in offices at the Presidency. Several respectable Native Children have likewise been prepared for their different callings in this School. The following is his description of one of the Tamul Schools The Third Tamul School is confined to the High-Caste Heathens, and is decidedly the best school in the Mission; whether the regularity, the diligence, or the talent of the children be considered. Not less than ten or twelve of the Boys of this School regularly attend Divine Service in the Mission Church, on Sunday Morning and on Wednesday Evening. They are able to answer almost every question of a simple nature, on Christian Subjects. I think very considerable good may eventually crown the labour de voted to this School. Native Female Schools. The Auxiliary Committee give a detailed account of these Schools; of which the Parent Committee, in their last Report, have made the following abstract : The Madras Committee speak in gratifying terms of the attention which Mrs. Ridsdale has paid to the Female Schools; and state, that, at the last Annual Examination, the proficiency of her Scholars called forth the decided approbation of all who were present. These Schools, Five in number, are attended, on an average, by about 220 Girls: among whom, the more advanced read the Gospel of St. Mark-the first and second classes commit to memory portions of Scripture, Catechisms, and Hymns-and all are instructed in needlework, reading, writing, and arithmetic. In reference to the means of supporting these Schools, the Madras Committee observe, in their Report As the prospects of extending the work of Female Education opened, it was considered desirable to promote a distinct interest in its favour: a Separate Fund was, accordingly, determined upon; and a subscription raised for its support. By this means, any additional demand upon the Society's Funds was obviated; and, from this source, these Schools have been hitherto supported. Two other Schools had been opened; but were relinquished from want of funds. An attempt was, also, made to bring the eldest and most proficient Girls from all the Schools under more particular observation and instruction, so as to qualify them for Schoolmistresses, and thus to lessen the difficulties arising from the want of efficient Teachers; but, owing to objections on the part both of the parents and children, this plan has not yet been realized. Of the facilities for further exertions in this interesting department of labour, the Committee write With regard to the work of Female Education in general, the greatest encouragement is experienced; and, were more adequate funds at command and suitable Teachers procurable, Schools might be multiplied to any extent. PULLICAT. The Obituary of the late Rev. John Kindlinger, in our last Number, will have prepared the Reader to attend with interest to the last report of Missionary Labours which will reach him from that faithful Servant of Christ. Native Boys' Schools. Of these, there are Eleven-one English and ten Tamul, with an average attendance of 315 Scholars. Mr. Kindlinger gave the following report of their state :- My description of the Scholars is only general; not being able to state the exact number of each caste, as I always avoid any inquiry about caste. I observe no difference between those with, and those without caste; but arrange them in their classes according to their progress in learning. In all the Schools, the Scriptures are read daily, and Christian Catechisms are committed to memory; while scarcely any objection is made to them on the part of the Heathen. The Mussulmans and the Roman Catholics, however, object to reading Christian Books: as this was considered indispensable to their remaining in the Schools, some of the Mussulmans and Roman Catholics have taken away their children. In the month of June last, a Roman Priest settled at Pullicat, and drew away many of the children of his persuasion from the Mission Schools; but some have since returned to them. All the Schools are situated in Pullicat, and its immediate vicinity: the most distant is only five miles from the Mission House: they all, therefore, admit of efficient superintendence. Each |