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Church Missionary Record.

No. 2.]

FEBRUARY, 1837.

BOMBAY AND WESTERN-INDIA MISSION.

[VOL. VIII.

IN our former account of this Mission (see pp. 173-188 of our Volume for last year) were reported some peculiar difficulties, which had been encountered. These appear to have been in some measure, through the goodness of God, either removed or suspended. The following ample Extracts from the communications of the Missionaries will show that their labours, while meeting with frequent opposition, yet, on the whole, steadily advance.

Nassuck.

The Rev. C. P. Farrar and Mrs. Farrar, and the Rev. J. Dixon, labouring at this Station, and occasionally extending their exertions in Missionary journeys to some distance, have at length been re-inforced by the arrival of the Rev. Messrs. Warth and Menge. They arrived at Bombay (p. 247, Vol. 1836) on the 7th of June; and shortly after proceeding to Nassuck, reached that city, to the great joy of their fellow-labourers,

on the 22d of the same month.

The labours of the Missionaries in Nassuck consist of Preaching and Religious Discussion; the distribution of the Scriptures and Religious Tracts; Translations of the same; and the Management of Schools. In reference to most of these pursuits, the following Extracts will fully show the course taken by them: we shall, however, following the order of time, begin with some passages from Mr. Farrar's account of a Missionary Excursion to Ahmednuggur,

and other distant places.

Dec. 22, 1835-Commenced my tour from Nassuck, with the intention, under Divine Providence, of proceeding, by way of Ahmednuggur, to Sholapoor and Beejapoor, and to return through Pundur poor, Vatara, and Poonah. Mr. Allen, of the American Mission, had promised to accompany me from Almednuggur. I started before dawn;

and rode, through a level and fertile RECORD, Feb. 1837.]

country, to Chandoree. This village is north of the Godavery, and fourteen miles east from Nassuck. It belongs to the family of Hingunee, which formerly possessed immense wealth: but one of its members having given offence to Nana Furnuwees, he secretly ordered two of their magnificent residences to be plundered, both at the same time. Since then, the family has been declining. The annual revenue-7000 rupees-of the village is divided between two brothers the elder is living in privacy in the Konkun, his portion having been attached for debts, amounting to 10,000 rupees. Gungadhun Shastree, a leading member of the Dhurmu Subha, has ordered Hingunee to put a stop to the Mission School: it is consequently much diminished, and is likely to remain for a considerable time in a depressed state. Obedience to a spiritual preceptor is a main requirement of the Hindoo Religion; and it is a precept, the force of which is most readily admitted, when, as in the present case, it demands the expenditure of neither time nor money. The village wears the appearance of desolation and decay, and is still suffering from the effects of the predatory incursions of the Pindharees and other tribes. The people were, as I expected they would be, averse to intercourse. A few opportunities of making known the Gospel, in a conversational way, to Brahmins, Marwadees, and Mhars, were given me during the day.

Dec. 23-Rode to Sayunkheodu, the opposite side of the Godavery. It presents a singular contrast to Chandoree, in its being compact, populous, and wealthy. It is the mart of trade, and

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chief market-town in the district. The shops are well stocked, and kept principally by Marwadees. I entered into conversation with some Brahmins and shopkeepers; or, perhaps I should say, attempted to do so, for they were very brief in their replies. I addressed a mixed number on a Ghaut, by the river. There are nine temples, which were built, at different times, by different persons or parties.

The causes which have led, and continue to lead, to the erection of temples, are various some expend a portion of ill-gotten wealth in such erections, by way of expiation, or to appease their conscience; some, in performance of a vow on coming into possession of the desired and craved object-money; some, build for fame; some for merits; some, to adorn and enrich their estates; and some, from mere good-will to their village fraternity. In the evening, on returning from a walk in the direction of Chitegaon, I came up to a party of Koolumbees, and the Pateel belonging to Chandoree, who were shaping timber for the construction of the rough mill with which they grind the sugar-cane, several fine fields of which were visible around the town. These poor people listened attentively to my advocacy of Christianity. When I asked them why they worshipped idols, and whether they had seen any difference in power or quality between the idol in the temple and the stones without it, they said they could not tell why, and they had never seen any difference.

Dec. 24, 1835 - Left Chandoree at day-break, and rode about twelve miles east to Tamuswada. I stopt, on my way, at the village of Bhusa, and preached to almost its whole population of men, women, and children, who had assembled to look at the Sahib. I dwelt briefly and pointedly on the folly of idolatry, the enormities ascribed to the Hindoo gods, and the sin of worshipping them. I besought them to worship the one true God, through Him who had become a Sacrifice for the whole world. On arriving at Tamuswada, I lost no time in introducing the purport of my visit to its inhabitants. Their exclamations of approval were frequent; such as-" His words are good"-"It is all quite true.' But they were accompanied with the usual observations of, "But what can we do"?'We follow the customs of our ancestors";

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We are quite ignorant concerning these matters." There were no readers; with the exception of one individual, who came forward and asked for a book. A Brahmin invited me to come and sit down. There were several other villagers with him, who seemed to be prepared to defend their gods and religion. Our discussion was an amicable one; but it ended with their asserting, that, whether salvation or destruction were the issue, they would abide by their own deities.

They had, however, previously expressed their readiness to adopt the Christian Religion, if I would assure them that in ten or fifteen days they would experience its practical benefit in an improvement of their temporal condition.

Dec. 25: Christmas Day-The first six miles of my ride this morning was through a barren jungle, interspersed with ravines and water courses; but from Wurdgaon to Mahegaon the fields were level and fertile, yielding flourishing crops of wheat, grain, &c. An individual, who has recently commenced the office of Puntojee in this village, came to me for books. I gave him a supply, proportioned to his wishes; and then distributed others to the village readers, who, emboldened by his example, came forward to request them. A respectable old Brahmin began to read aloud. He first opened St. Matthew at, No man can serve two masters; and read onwards, Take no thought for your life, &c. He afterwards read one of the Moral Stories, translated by Mrs. Candy, called, "A Remedy against Anger," which met with great applause. Books, when they can be distributed in this quiet way, on the request of the parties, are much more likely to meet with a favourable reception, than when they are half-forced on individuals in the public streets. Three of the village Brahmins came in the afternoon, not to search for truth, but for tea, to which they begin to attach many medicinal properties: it was wanted for the son of one of them, who was suffering from an attack of fever. According to native custom, they made, primarily, in order to please me, a request for books; and, secondarily, in order to please themselves, a request for tea. Natives, who are induced to call on you from such minor motives, assent to every thing you advance, and are remarkably bland and winning in their manners; so much so, that, in surveying their quiet and demure

countenances, a novice might readily take up the notion that they were about to become penitent and humble disciples of Christ.

Dec. 26, 1835-Left Mahegaon before dawn; and rode twelve miles, in a direction due east, to Kopergaon; where we put up in an old palace of the late Peishwa's, now reserved for travellers. When walking out in the afternoon, some Brahmins approached, and I addressed them on the mercy and perfections of Jehovah. It is one common argument among them, and it was brought forward on the present occasion, that there must be some degree of virtue or merit among men, or otherwise the world would be annihilated; while I, on the contrary, maintained the universal corruption of man, and that the world continued to exist simply through the forbearance and long-suffering of God, who, in His mercy, has provided a way of recovery for His fallen creatures.

Dec. 27-Crossed the Gunga or Godavery, to a little island containing a number of temples. On my return to Kopergaon, my room was crowded through the day. Several Brahmins from the island came to converse and to obtain Tracts. The continual remark was, "Give me a large book, not such as you give to school-boys: give me one containing the substance of all you would say to us.

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Dec. 28-I walked in the evening to Sakhoree; and, as the villagers were busy in treading out the grain, I went and spoke to them. There were many Koolumbees and Mhars. The Mhars were inclined to advocate, strongly, the merits of their god. They, however, told me, that if the God of whom I made mention would keep the rats, and the birds, and the frost, from their fields, they would perform pooja (offerings) to Him.

Dec. 30-Rode to Rehoree, and put up in the usual halting-place, a small stone temple of Khundoba's. Some thieves, emboldened probably by the countenance and protection of their god Khundoba, the patron of thieves, made free with some things I had sent on the day before. They took away a bundle, and a trunk containing wearing apparel, &c. They broke it open with stones, and, having inspected the contents, took away what was suited to their taste or their wants; and then, cramming the re

mainder in again, brought back the box to a short distance off the temple. This little affair arose partly from the Mhars of the village having refused to come and keep watch. The police is entrusted to Bheels, who are now following four men whose footsteps were traced from my baggage. I reported the robbery to the Muhalkuree. I was surrounded during the day by men and boys: books were in great request; and here again the men of importance demanded great books, of 365 stories, to last them the whole year.

Jan. 1, 1836-Entered Ahmednuggur about nine A.M., and proceeded at once to the American Mission House, which is admirably situated, in the centre of the native town. Mr. Allen was alone; the other members of the Mission being absent, through illness, and other causes. I found a letter from the Archdeacon, announcing that the Bishop of Calcutta would arrive on the 8th instant; who, if it would not put me to much inconvenience or delay, would be glad to see me. I feel, therefore, bound by duty, as well as by inclination, to await his Lordship's arrival; when I shall most gladly avail nyself of his instructions, in connection with my Missionary and Ministerial labours. May God, by the gracious influence of His Holy Spirit, so aid me this year, on which I am now entering, that I may be, throughout its course, fervent in spirit, instant in prayer, and always abounding in the work of the Lord!

Jan. 3-Rejoiced in being able to go to the House of God in company, and in becoming again a hearer of the Word. Mr. Jackson preached with much earnestness, faithfulness, and simplicity, in the Church Barrack in the morning, and in the Fort in the evening.

Jan. 4-Accompanied Mr. Allen to the Poor Asylum, which is now mainly under the superintendence of the American Mission. It contains upwards of thirty poor sufferers, from disease, infirmity, or age. The majority of the in mates appear to be labouring under the black leprosy. Several are blind; and the whole of them are objects worthy of pity and support. Some are baptized converts, whose quiet and humble demeanour adorns their Christian profession. Notwithstanding their helpless and irrecoverably diseased and bereaved condition, they all exhibited much

patient acquiescence in the allotments of Providence. Call it apathy, or indifference, or hopelessness, or any other name, yet it is no less true, that these Heathens who were withering under the worst forms of disease manifested a something more resembling resignation than would be evinced, generally speaking, under similar circumstances, in the persons of merely nominal Christians.

Jan. 6, 1836-Visited a Mahratta School, in company with Mr. Allen. We afterwards sought out those to whom we might communicate the glad tidings of great joy. We commenced conversation with some Brahmins, who were at leisure they listened attentively, and discoursed coherently for a time; but ultimately, they had recourse to flat contradictions of the best-substantiated facts, in reference to their own system, as well as to those of the Christian Religion.

Jan. 8-The Bishop of Calcutta entered Ahmednuggur about eleven A. M.; and I had the gratification of meeting him, together with Archdeacon Carr. I had again the pleasure of meeting his Lordship at dinner, at Colonel Willis's; where, in a most kind and impressive manner, he extolled the Missionary work and office. I trust his example and instructions may be blessed to me, and to the neighbourhood, and to all with whom he may have public or private intercourse, during his visitation.

Jan. 9-Breakfasted, by appointment, with the Bishop. In the course of his family devotional reading, his Lordship expounded the fifteenth chapter of Genesis, which is peculiarly calculated to confirm the faith of God's people, and to encourage the feeble-hearted and oft-times doubting believer. He dwelt on the consistent uniformity of the doctrines of Scripture-that we had here the germs of those doctrines of justification by faith, and of imputed righteousness, which were 2000 years afterwards more fully developed and more strongly enforced by the Apostle Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans. He enlarged on the long-suffering, the mercy, and the rich and abundant promises of our God: and then, turning to me, he gave me the following texts: Fear not; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. I am the Almighty God: walk before me, and be thou perfect. He pressed them emphatically on my mind, that they might be my guide and support throughout my Missionary career.

Jan. 10: Lord's Day-The Services of the Sabbath have been of a solemn and inspiriting character. The truths of the Gospel were developed with clearness, and enforced with simplicity, fervour, and affection, by the Bishop of Calcutta in the morning, and by the Archdeacon of Bombay in the evening. The elements of bread and wine were delivered, and received in faith and love, in remembrance of the death of our adorable Redeemer. The Bishop showed that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal; but mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strong-holds; casting down imaginations; and bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ. The Archdeacon took the text, O Israel! thou hast destroyed thyself: but in me is thine help.

Jan. 11-The Confirmation took place this morning. It was delightful to witness the pains which the Bishop took to explain to each child the duties which he now for himself vowed to perform; the laborious exertion which he put forth to fix, as a nail in a sure place, the awful responsibility which each lay under, to live according to this his Christian profession; the minute regulations which he imposed on each child for his guidance and consistent conduct. The Bishop attended at four P. M. a Meeting of the Temperance Society; and addressed the members, and more particularly the soldiers; and then proceeded to the Artillery mess-room to dinner. About eight P.M., after commending the cause of Christ to the assembled European society, and the Chaplains and Missionaries to their favour and co-operation, he bade us all farewell, and proceeded on his way to Aurungabad.

Jan. 12-The cause of Temperance is warmly advocated and supported at Ahmednuggur. Several officers, and possibly others, abstain wholly from whatever can intoxicate, partly from principle, and partly to give effect to their recommendations by an example of self

denial,

Jan. 13-Set out from Ahmednuggur before day-break, and rode sixteen miles east to Pimplu. I walked through the village in the evening; and ultimately joined Mr. Allen, who was addressing a small party near the chief gate. They had some notions respecting Jesus Christ, gleaned from Tracts which had been brought from Bombay by a Brahmin. Our books are widely scattered through

the country, and those who have never seen a Missionary have not unfrequently learnt a little of Christianity from them.

Jan. 14, 1836-Rode from Pimplu to Mirichgaon. The inhabitants were attentive; and different parties sat for a considerable time, alternately raising a defence of Hindooism, or threatening and questioning concerning the new truths brought before them. At one time, the innocence, the merit, and the ability of man were maintained; at another, his guilt, his misery, and his helplessness were admitted; and then again it was asserted, that we were all as vessels made by the potter, having no power to change the state in which we were formed.

Jan. 20-Reached the populous and thriving town of Barsee early in the morning. Preached to a large assembly of Brahmins and others. They were all quiet and attentive, and I rejoiced in so favourable an opportunity of declaring the Gospel. Our Dhurmu-shalu was literally crowded all the day by eager applicants for Books, Tracts and Kittas ; so that we had to beg leisure even to eat our bread.

Jan. 21-Rode from Barsee to Wuerag, which is a town of considerable traffic and population. We were pressed through the day by crowds on crowds; and we have rarely had a better season for disseminating Truth, by discourses and Tracts. One individual defended the selecting of one stone above others, for worship, by the comparison of a man covered with hairs, but who made his beard alone an object of regard and attention.

Jan. 22-Arrived at Wudala about eight o'clock A. M. Some of the sect of the Manu-Bhawn, who wear a black petticoat, and worship, exclusively, Krishna, came into the village, the attendant of the chief man sounding some kind of horn. We sent for them; and putting a Tract into the hand of their leader, were a little astonished at his pretending to read it. They knew nothing, and could tell us nothing, beyond the mere fact of their moving about from village to village where they could get food, they spent the day. Religious mendicants of every description can obtain a supply of food in every village of the kingdom. The worthlessness of the objects who claim alms does not, in their view, diminish the efficacy of the blessing or of the curse which may respectively follow the gift or the denial of them. The vil

lagers sat listening to us at different periods of the day; and we supplied the few who could read with books.

Jan. 25-Rode from Sholapoor to Trewada. An Agni-hotre, and the chief villagers, came to us four times during the day, to enter into discussion on the subject of Religion. He is an old man, a sort of village oracle, full of loquacity, shlokas, and sophistry. He was greatly mortified by our assertions of his sinfulness; for he prides himself on the belief of having been heaping up stores of merit for ages to come. This doctrine of merit

is a perpetual stumbling-block.

Jan. 29-Rode into Beejapoor, the royal and the ruined city; for it now lies desolate, in comparison of its ancient greatness and grandeur. Its existing population may be 5000. It was computed to contain, in the period of its prosperity, 900,000 inhabitants and 1500 mosques.

Jan. 31-I wandered this evening, through mosques and tombs where the jackal finds his hiding-place, until my spirits were exhausted there was ample matter for serious thought and solemn meditation. Detached portions of the city are, here and there, inhabited by Brahmins and Mahomedans. Idolatry seems almost as prevalent among the one as the other: the hairs of the Prophet -the tombs of their kings-and the "Lord of the Plain"-all witness their prostrations.

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I presented a copy of the New Testament to the Mamlitdar of Beejapoor, who paid us a visit of civility. He discussed religious topics with considerable shrewdness, and with no less good humour than candour: he is a Brahmin. He sent the New Testament to me afterwards, to have his name written in it.

Feb. 1-Rode from Beejapoor to Kunoor, a distance of about fourteen miles.

Feb. 2-Arrived at Nimburgee, and bave settled ourselves in the Chawadi. On the platform round a lime-tree facing the gateway, was seated a large party of villagers, inspecting our habits, accoutrements, and baggage. We were evidently a novelty to them. The prevail

ing language of the inhabitants is Canarese; but there were with us, through the day, numbers of Brahmins and others who could read and understand Mahratta.

Feb. 4-Arrived at Mungulwari this

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