version to Christianity he seems to have abstained from a feeling of honour.

His other converts were between six and seven thousand, besides those which his predecessors and companions in the Cause had brought over: the number is gradually increasing; and there are now in the South of India about two hundred Protestant Congregations, the numbers of which have been sometimes vaguely stated at forty thousand. I doubt whether they reach fifteen thousand; but even this, all things considered, is a great number.

The Roman Catholics are considerably more numerous, but belong to a lower caste of Indians (for even these Christians retain many prejudices of caste), and in point of knowledge and morality are said to be extremely inferior.

The Brahmins, being limited to voluntary votaries, have now often very hard work to speed the ponderous wheels of Suon and Bali through the deep lanes of this fertile country. This is, however, still the most favoured land of Brahminism, and the temples are larger and more beautiful than any which I have seen in Northern India. They are also decidedly older; but as to their very remote age, I am still incredulous.

CALCUTTA.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Third Anniversary of the Calcutta Association.

THIS Meeting was held, in the Town Hall, on the evening of the 15th of December; the Venerable Archdeacon Corrie, President, in the Chair.

Movers and Seconders. Rev. T. Robertson, and Rev. Michael Wilkinson-E. Bird, Esq., and Rev. John Perowne-M. Gisborne, Esq., and J. Dougal, Esq.-and Rev. Theophilus Reichardt, and Rev. Deocar Schmid.

The Receipts of the Year, including the balance in hand, were 6444 rupees: the Payments amounted to nearly that sum, and exceeded the actual contributions of the year. On this subject it was reported—

Your Committee regret to state, that, in consequence of increased labour, their funds are nearly expended: they would also remark, that their monthly expenditure is, upon an average, above 300 rupees; to meet which their subscriptions only amount to one-fourth of this sum.

A Collection was made after the

Meeting, which amounted to 662 rupees.

We shall extract the substance of the Report.

State of Bengalee Schools.

An account of these Schools was given, from the Third Report of the Auxiliary and other documents, at pp. 385-387 of our last Number.

It appears from the Third Report of the Association, that six of these Schools had been under the charge of the Association, and seven under that of the Auxiliary; but that, since the beginning of 1826, all have been supported and directed by the Association. The average number of Boys on the books is 80 for each of the Thirteen Schools: the Committee of the Association report

The books used for the instruction of the children are Spelling and Reading Lessons, a Catechism, and Geography. Writing and Arithmetic are daily taught, and the improvement of the Boys is equal to your Committee's expectations.

Quarterly Examinations have been continued, and ample satisfaction is afforded by this new arrangement: the trouble of collecting the Boys is very inconsiderable, while the advantage to the School-Sircars and Children fully involves. On these occasions the boys repays the extra trouble which the plan from the first classes only are assembled ; so that the friends of education may have opportunities of witnessing the progress of the children, without occupying too great a portion of their time.

During the examinations, many important features of the Hindoo Character are developed. The answers which are generally elicited, prove that the Pundits as well as scholars exercise considerable attention, in order to understand the books which they read; and it is an encouraging fact, that many of the children are capable of replying in a most satisfactory manner to questions proposed to them on the leading points of Christianity.

The Committee have to regret, with every other Missionary Body, that the boys remain so short a time at school: soon after they have risen to the first classes, where they have the best oppor

:

It has been publicly laid to the charge of Missionaries in this part of India, that no attention has been paid to the higher order of Natives, to induce them to accept Christianity. To this your Committee reply, that the houses of Missionaries are known to be open to all classes of men ; to the rich as well as to the poor, if they consider the subject worthy of their attention and since Missionaries are on the most friendly terms with the rich Natives, and discuss common and scientific subjects with them, and even point out the advantages likely to be derived from adopting a better religious system than they at present possess, it is only fair to observe, that the rich Hindoos may hear the doctrines of Christianity explained to them whenever they feel inclined to attend to the important subject. But, lest the means adopted should be considered by some insufficient, one remedy is at hand, viz. that those individuals, who advocate the necessity of other arrangements, come forward with their donations for erecting suitable Churches, where the more respectable class of Natives may assemble to hear the grounds on which Christianity claims their attention fully illustrated and explained.

Opening of the Chapel at Mirzapore.
The Committee add-

Until such provision be made, your Committee would direct the attention of their friends to a neatly-finished Pucka Chapel lately built at Mirzapore, and opened on the 12th of November last. To the building of this Chapel your Committee, at the suggestion of the late lamented Bishop Heber, voted 2000 Rupees; the half of which sum was supplied by his Lordship at the last Anniversary Meeting, only twelve months

ago.

The Services in the New Chapel at Mirzapore are conducted agreeably to the rites of the Church of England, in the Bengalee Language; and all who wish well to their servants when they begin to inquire after Christianity, are recommended to point out to them the advantages which are likely to result from attending the means of grace which are thus provided.

The foundation-stone of this Chapel was laid, by the Archdeacon, about seven months before it was opened: of this occasion it is saidA considerable number of Native Christians were assembled in the Chapel, the doors of which were thronged by crowds

of Heathens and Mussulmans. The Ven, Archdeacon Corrie was present on the occasion. The Service was conducted by the Church Missionaries, one of whom, the Rev. W. Deerr, preached on Mark xvi. 15. It is remarkable that this Church forms the first in Bengal for Native Christians, in which the Services are conducted in the Bengalee Language according to the Liturgy of the Established Church. Service is regularly per. formed on Sundays, in the morning, commencing at eight o'clock, and in the afternoon, at four; to which all persons who are conversant in the Bengalee Language are particularly invited.

LADIES' SOCIETY FOR NATIVE-FEMALE EDUCATION.

Fifth Examination of the Schools. A NOTICE of the Fourth Examination appears at p. 348 of our last Volume: the following Report of the Fifth is taken from the "Missionary Intelligence" of the Church Missionary Auxiliary.

An Examination took place on Saturday the 23d of December 1826, according to advertisement, at the Episcopal Residence, Chowringhee, of the Scholars under the Patronage of the Ladies' Society for Native-Female Education. Mrs. Heber, Mrs. Harington, Lady Franks, and about 200 other La

dies of the Settlement honoured the Examination with their presence. There were but few Native Gentlemen; but, Roy, who distinguished himself last year among them, was Rajah Boidenauth by his munificent donation toward the building of the Central School: the Rajah took an active part in the examination of some of the classes. The appearance of the Scholars was more favourable than on any former occasion: a considerable proportion were of an age capable of benefitting by the instruction of the Native Population, an increased imparted; thus manifesting, on the part confidence in the teachers. Of about 540 Girls who are in daily attendance in the different Schools, 200 were examined. They are taught generally in the Elementary Books supplied by the School-Book Society: some of them were examined in the little work on Geography, and pointed out, on the beautiful Map now bound up with that work, the countries and places respecting which they were questioned: they were examined also in the Gospels,

which are given them in separate copies -in Watts's Catechism-and in the "Conversations between a Mother and her Daughter," which contain questions on the Creation, the Ten Commandments, and on the Way of Salvation as taught in the Christian Scriptures: they also read and learn by heart short pray ers and translations of hymns, which have been prepared chiefly for their use. Many of the Girls manifest great readiness in explaining the meaning of words which occur in their lessons, and the

meaning of the passages which they read. A poor BLIND Girl, about 18 years of age, excited considerable interest: she has, from listening to the other children, got by heart many passages from the Gospels; and repeated very correctly the greater part of the Second Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke. The Examination commenced by the Girls singing the hymn, "Come ye sinners, poor and wretched," according to their own tune, which had been taught them by the Blind Girl. At the close of the Examination the Girls repeated the Lord's Prayer, which they had all committed to memory. On the whole, the progress in the state of these Schools is manifest, both in respect of the appearance and acquirements of the children.

Several persons, conversant in Bengalee, engaged in examining separate classes; by which means the whole was got through in moderate time: and the company separated with a general feeling of satisfaction with the measures adopted by the Ladies' Society, and anticipations of solid advantage to the objects of their

benevolent exertions.

Among the specimens of work performed by the School Girls was also a Sampler, very well executed by a Na

tive-Christian Woman, who has been taught at the Church-Mission Premises. It is intended as a present for Lady Hastings, and the following inscription is wrought on it:

UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE MOST NOBLE HOUSE OF HASTINGS, WE POOR HINDOO FEMALES FIRST BEGAN TO ENJOY THE BLESSINGS OF EDUCATION, FEBRUARY, 1822.

About 1000 Rupees were added to the Funds of the Society, by subscriptions, and by the sale of fancy articles.

Second Report of the Ladies' Association.

At the Second Annual Meeting the Ladies' Association in aid of

the Society, held at the Old-Church Room, on the 29th of January, George Money, Esq. in the Chair, a Report was delivered, of which we extract the substance :

Since their First Report was published your Committee had been supporting Twelve Schools; but two of these were closed some time since, for want of funds:

the remaining Ten Schools contain about 160 Girls, most of whom are Mahomedans. It is found by experience that this class of children leaye school at an earlier age than the children of Hindoos.

The Catechisms and other preparatory books suited to the ages and capacities

of the children have been used in the

schools, and the highest classes read the Gospels.

In your Committee's last Report, reference was made to the desirableness of

having a regular Superintendant, who should be paid from the funds of the Association that object has been realized during the past year, by Miss Hebbron kindly undertaking that laborious' charge: the children found in her a most efficient friend, and she proved herself on all occasions deeply interested in the improvement of the Native Females: the Committee have to regret that domestic arrangements have made it necessary for her to relinquish the charge, having lately gone with her family to Chunar. The labours, however, in which she could no longer engage, have been kindly undertaken by Eight Young Ladies, who will visit the schools alternately; and if this plan can be continued without inconvenience to those young friends who are assisting in the good work, your Committee would feel thankful, both because it is more likely to extend a proper feeling regarding their own sex, and also because it would be in accordance with that economy which it is necessary to observe.

The Second Annual Examination was held at the Church-Mission Premises on the 4th of December last, and was well attended. Several of the Girls read with ease, and answered many interesting questions to the satisfaction of those who examined them. Monthly Exami nations have also been regularly held in the Intally School-Room during the past year; and the Committee trust that they have had a good effect among the children.

During the past year there has been

-That, as the funds at the disposal of the Committee do not at present allow them to erect a building for his residence at Culna, and as nevertheless it is extremely desirable permanently to occupy Culna as a Missionary Station in connexion with the Society, the Assistant Secretary be desired to represent the case to the Secretaries of the Parent Society, and to inquire whether, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, the Committee would not place at their disposal such a sum as would be sufficient for this purpose.

At the Meeting of the Committee in October, it was resolved to give up for the present the intention of building at Culna, and to carry on the superintendence of the Schools from Burdwan till the funds should allow of forming a regular establishment at Culna. Mr. Deerr had returned to Calcutta after forming the Schools at Culna, and had visited them from Calcutta: the people, having been apprised of his intention to withdraw, addressed to Archdeacon Corrie, in Bengalee, under date of Nov. 18, 1826, the following

Petition from the Principal Inhabitants for a School.

Salutation to the Rev. Mr. Corrie.
May he live for ever!
The humble Petition of the Inhabitants
of Culna,

Respectfully sheweth

That it has given them exceedingly great pleasure that you have established

Schools among them, by which means their Children have enjoyed peculiar advantages.

They are, however, now informed by the Rev. Mr. Deerr, that, in consequence of his being engaged in Calcutta, it will be impossible for him to remain longer among them, on which account the Schools must necessarily be closed.

They acknowledge that they formerly entertained some slight degree of apprehension concerning your Sacred Books; but, in consequence of the Rev. Mr. Deerr making known to them these your Scriptures, not only have their fears entirely vanished, but they consider that these Books are deserving of the most unqualified reception (most exceedingly acceptable) and highly beneficial; and, on this account, they consider themselves equally benefitted; and rejoice as much as a man born blind when he receives his sight.

Your Petitioners, therefore, most respectfully solicit that you, Reverend Sir, (Avatar of Holiness,) will condescend to allow Mr. Deerr to remain among them. He is an excellent and learned man, and is peaceable towards all. If, therefore, you will grant this request, not only will their Children have the advantage of his instruction, but the dawn of knowledge will even begin among themselves.

(Signed) Gorachund Gosami,

Kalee Dash Sharbobhoum,
Mohash Turkopunchanoh,
Shambooram Turkalunkar,
Ramkanta Seromoni,
Bishasher Bhotachargio,
Gunga Narayun Bhotacharg,
Kali Dash Mookapadhago,
Neelomoni Gungopadhago,
Bhagobot Sukar,
Bacharam Mullick,
Brojumohun Roy,
Moddun Mohun Roy,
Modhur Mohun Roy,
Gagaroho.

This Petition induced the Committee, at their Meeting in December, to resolve on the immediate erection of a temporary building at Culna, to be occupied by Mr. Deerr and his family till a more permanent structure could be raised. Importance and Promising Character of this Station.

Mr. Deerr's account of his inter