a at Goladarga. In these, and in Ebenezer | consequence of having married. She is gone Chapel, there are weekly eight Bengal to reside near Lakyántipur, and will, I hope, services and two English services on the be comfortably settled. She was not one sabbath. The catechists all engage in of our most advanced scholars, having been turn in the services among the heathen, in the school but two years; she has, howas well as in those to our native chris- ever, I trust, made such progress in learning tian congregation. The sermons delias to be materially benefited by her resivered to the latter are all written out and dence with us. examined before they are preached. We have one young man about to be baptized, who has been three months an inquirer. Some months ago we had an interesting convert, a well-educated brahman. He came daily for instruction and conversation for more than two months, when he renounced Hindooism, cordially embraced the gospel, and, throwing off his poita, cast in his lot among us. Soon after this we left Calcutta for the Straits, and I deeply regret to say that a fortnight before our return, his brother seduced him away, and we do not know precisely what has become of him, although I still think he will return to us, as, from all I saw, I cannot for a moment doubt his sincerity. "I must now tell you of the death of our poor dear youth Mark. This event has been to me more painful than I can express. He died of spleen and abscess about a month ago. On our return from the Straits, we found him very ill, and continued so, notwithstanding every mode of treatment. For some weeks before he died, Dr. Green attended him. Since his baptism, three years ago, his deep piety has endeared him to us very much. His end was emphatically peace, and his heart was stayed upon his God. He knew in whom he had believed, and went calmly down the vale of death, resting on the Saviour. He has left, in his own handwriting, several interesting memorials of piety, meditations, sermons, both in English and Bengalee, and a list of all the verses he had made the subject of daily meditation for many months. I think that there is material and personal recollection enough to make an interesting memoir of our poor boy, for such I must still call him, since "The other two I am sorry to say have been removed by death. Their end occurred nearly at the same time, which made the event more solemn. One of them was little girl of eight years of age. She was a child of fine capacity, having learned to read very prettily in seven months, the period of her abode in the school. Her death was very sudden, of cholera. The second case was one of our oldest and best scholars, Luckyee, the girl mentioned as being in a poor state of health in the report of last year. To this child this institution has been eminently blessed. She was without doubt a Christian indeed. She came from Khárí, and was received at her own request, being at the time, through poverty and ill health, in most miserable circumstances. After her admission into the seminary she applied herself diligently to her lessons, and soon manifested both her capacity and desire to obtain knowledge. For the first three years her general deportment was very good, but no particular signs of piety appeared in her character. Soon afterwards her general health began to fail, and then it was that she began to manifest a concern for the salvation of her soul. Being, however, a timid and retiring child, she did not open her mind to us for some time, not indeed until she applied to Mr. Pearce for baptism and admission into the church, which was probably a year and a half after her mind became subject to serious impressions. At length the evidence of her conversion became so apparent that Mr. Pearce felt it his duty to comply with her wish, and administer to her the ordinance of baptism, which he did with much satisfaction, in the spring of 1836. From that period to the time of death, her conduct was very pleasing. Great was her love to the word of God. The Bible, it might be said, was her constant companion, and her progress in Christian knowledge corresponded with her diligent perusal the worship of God, praying, I believe, of the scriptures. She was also punctual in regularly twice a day, and sometimes oftener she often expressed her thankfulness to God that she had been brought into the school. She was much respected by the other children, and exercised, there is reason to think, by her conversation and deportment, a very beneficial influence among them. Her end was rather sudden and unexpected; after being ill with spleen for about two years, she began to mend, and at length became | so well, as to induce in us the hope that she had got quite over her complaint; but in August last she was taken with fever which ended in her dissolution in about eight days. She seemed during her illness to feel that she should not recover, and spoke of her end with composure and pleasure. Once or twice on our visiting her she spoke of 'going to her Father," and of "going home." On one occasion she told some of the children that were with her, that angels had been to her, and said, Why do you stay longer? Come, come away with us." Thus in her dreams or the wanderings of her mind, her thoughts seemed fixed on heaven. We felt her loss much, but we sorrowed not as those who have no hope. 66 66 "In proceeding to speak of the other children, the committee will be happy to learn that we have much that is pleasing to report, affording additional evidence of the goodness of God towards the institution, The instructions given, and the hopes indulged in former years have through the divine bless ing ripened into fruit in this. About three months since, we had the privilege to witness the reception by baptism of seven girls of the school, into the fellowship of the church: these young persons had been candidates for baptism for several months previously. The evidence of their concern for salvation, of their love to Christ, and of their trust in him, became at length so satisfactory that Mr. Pearce felt it would not be right to detain them from the ordinance any longer. Their baptism took place at Sibpur in August last, in the presence of a large number of natives, and several European friends, who appeared much interested on the occasion. Prior to their baptism, they underwent a public examination of their knowledge of the truths of Christianity, its influence on their hearts and conduct, &c. ; their answers to the questions put to them were readily given, and much to the purpose. It is greatly satisfactory to me to add that nothing has occurred in the conduct of any of them, since their baptism to cause us to regret its administration to them; on the contrary, their conduct has always been such as to manifest their continued fear of God, and desire to serve and please him. "With respect to the progress of the children generally in their learning, it is, I am happy to say, as satisfactory as it has hitherto been. The elder girls are acquiring, I trust, an extensive and solid acquaintance with the holy scriptures, as well as of various kinds of useful knowledge. Till Mr. Pearce was laid aside by his late severe affliction, he continued to meet every Lord's day, a bible-class of upwards of twenty children and women, and also twice a week such of the girls as were members of the church, or desirous of being so. On these occasions he went through with them carefully the whole of the Acts of the Apostles, and also several exercises on religious subjects, in which they were required to furnish scripture proofs. These instructions have been, without doubt, of much benefit to the children. The children continue to learn to sew, as formerly reported, and some of them have attained to a very ready use of the needle, and work very neatly. The adult school consists of nearly the same individuals as mentioned in my former reports their progress is pretty good. I have reason to believe that those of them who have attained to read with ease, are so pleased with the acquisition that they spend generally an hour or two every day at home, in perusing the books which they have obtained, particularly the holy scriptures. Such, then, is the success with which it has pleased God to bless this seminary. May it prove as encouraging to the committee and the friends of the poor native females as it is exhilarating to our minds, and may the blessing of our heavenly Father continue to descend upon it, to whom be all the praise !" CEYLON. Extract of a letter from Rev. E. Daniel to the Secretary, dated January 6, 1838: In reviewing the labours of the past year, I have to regret that so little fruit has resulted to the Divine glory. When shall we see the Spirit of God poured out on these churches of the East? Our friends in England should sojourn among us for a time to perceive the discouragements, the almost heart-breaking discouragements that often attend us. We hope the good Lord will preserve both you and us from fainting, till we realize the "joy of harvest." We have, during the past year, been compelled to the painful exercise of discipline on several of our members in the Singhalese and Portuguese churches. In one or two instances the good effects of it have been realized, not only on the other members, but in the repentance of the separated, who, on their restoration, will, we hope, not turn again to folly. We have likewise lost by death, in the above period, four Singhalese members, who have given us pleasing ground to hope that they have been removed to a better church in glory. Seventeen persons have, during the past year, been baptized and added to the church-one English person, four Portuguese, and twelve natives, May the Lord deliver them from every evil work, and bring them to his heavenly king-| dom! One person, formerly excluded, has been restored. In my last I gave you an account of the different stations here belonging to our Society. I am now thinking of forming a fifth station, at a village called Kottighawatta, about five miles from Colombo. It is a place in the centre of a considerable, and, till recently, almost neglected population; but the gospel, having been introduced among them, in some cases appears to have become the power of God to salvation. Four persons have been baptized, and some others are candidates for the ordinances of Christ. We began last week to build a place of worship there; and a gifted member of our church here, a native, who has preached among them with great acceptance, will (D. V.) go and dwell with his family among them, and regularly preach the word to them and many villages around. The great difficulty is to obtain a house for his residence. As there is no house to be rented there, one must be built for him. I think we can manage it for about £40. How I shall be able to obtain the money, I do not know. Persons around us, who can give, are so indifferent to those things, that I dare not make too many applications; and having obtained lately about £50 towards our missionary operations, I can scarcely again apply to them. But I trust that He, who has all power in heaven and earth, will aid us in what is requisite to advance his glory. He has helped unexpectedly before, and can do it again. We are proceeding with our revised edition of the Singhalese Scriptures, and have printed from Joshua to the end of the Book of Psalms, and are now going on with Genesis and Exodus. Several interesting new tracts have lately issued from the press. The Popish Controversy is still continued. I have published 15 numbers of "The Protestant Vindicator," which makes its appearance monthly. The horrid system of Popery appears to have received a shock here, the effects of which will, I trust, ere long become more visible. Several of the more intelligent Papists are beginning to examine their system, and to be alive to many of its errors, though they have not as yet the courage publicly to renounce them. They and their priests have been at open war. A few months since they presented a memorial to their Padres, signed by 1700 persons, complaining of the negligence of their pastors, stating their grievances, and intreating that they might be removed. This so incensed the Padres, that they declared they would neither confess, nor admit to the Lord's supper, any persons who received interest for money they had lent to their neighbours. Better days are, I think, dawning upon this island. We have a new Governor, who, with his lady, appear to be persons of decided piety, and seem determined to use the influence of their example and exertions to advance true religion. Mrs. Stewart Mackenzie has brought with her, from a society in England, a female to superintend the education of natives of her own sex, chiefly from the families of the native headmen. Befriended by such high patronage, she has met with much encouragement, and has opened a school of the above description, under the most favourable auspices. I think how different this reception to that of my dear predecessor, brother Chater, who was obliged to wait for some time before he could obtain permission to preach here. But the sufferings, as well as the labours of the faithful servants of Christ, all bear on the great event of his universal reign. JAMAICA. With feelings of no ordinary delight, blended, we trust, with devout thankfulness to the Father of mercies, we record that on the day on which our present publication is dated, the whole population of Jamaica is absolutely free. Acting on instructions from the Home Government, Sir Lionel Smith convoked the House of Assembly on the 5th of June, laid before them the recent Act of Parliament introduced by Lord Glenelg, and stated, with much frankness, his own conviction that, as the law now stood, it was impossible that the apprenticeship could go on. In this opinion both Houses of the Legislature appear to have concurred, and, consequently, a bill was brought in, and passed without a dissentient voice, for the total abolition of the system on the 1st of August, 1838! Surely we may say, This is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes. To Him be all the glory! The following letter from Mr. Tinson, | being widely felt! How solemn the warning dated Kingston, May 9th, conveys the affecting and unexpected intelligence of the decease of our valuable brother Gardner, the pastor of the church in East Queen-street :— Kingston, Jamaica, 9th May. 1838. My dear Friend, I am just returned from the house of mourning, from a scene of sorrow as unexpected as it is afflictive. Yesterday morning, a little before ten o'clock, our esteemed brother Gardner finished his course! We have now committed his remains to the tomb, and the mourners go about the streets. O that many might lay it to heart, and thus, though being dead, may he yet speak! His funeral was numerously attended, many merchants and others unconnected with the church were present; the pall was borne by six ministers of different denominations; the large chapel was full to overflowing; and many appeared to feel deeply. The disease of which he died was what the medical men term congestive fever, occasioned, in all probability, by exposure to a heavy fall of rain, such as those who have never visited a tropical climate can hardly conceive of, and that immediately after travelling several hours beneath the unmitigated rays of a very hot sun. A day or two after he complained of pains in different parts of his body, and felt quite unwell during his evening service on Thursday last. He retired from the pulpit to his bed, and left it no more till he was carried to the house appointed for all living. How inscrutable are the ways of God! Here is one of his servants in the vigour of youth, only 31 years of age, removed from an extensive sphere of labour and of usefulness, with which he was just become thoroughly acquainted, and in which his influence was to those of us who are left! Pray for us, that living and dying we may have but one single aim-the glory of Christ in the salvation of sinners. What infinite condescension that he should employ us at all! But he will have us learn that he can do without us; and that whatever he may permit us to convey to others, the treasure is in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be seen to be his. It is somewhat remarkable that our brother had selected the passage in Psalm xcvii. 2, and actually prepared a discourse upon it for Sabbath evening, in reference to the death of two or three members of the church, which had recently happened; and do we not see in his death a practical illustration of the language, more striking and impressive than any studied arrangement of words could impart? Until within a few hours of his death, before the disease reached the brain, he was perfectly collected, and spoke of his approaching dissolution with composure. After requesting me to make various memoranda relative to his secular affairs, he endeavoured to comfort and encourage his deeply-afflicted companion, from whom, as her earthly stay and support, he was so soon to be removed; directing her mind to that all-sufficient Saviour, who is a Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the widows. I said to him, "Brother, I hope Jesus, whom you have preached to others, is now precious." He replied, "Yes, he is; his grace is sufficient for me. In this solemn dispensation the church has lost an active and devoted pastor; the widow, a kind and affectionate husband; the helpless orphans, a tender and indulgent parent; and the community, a useful member. Mrs. Gardner will probably send you more particulars as soon as she is able to write. CONTRIBUTIONS Received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from June 8, to July 15, 1838, not including individual subscriptions: W. Pollard, Esq., do....... Mrs. Holland, do........ Mrs. Bonville, do..... .......... ........ J. G. Mansford, Esq., Bath...... W. Adams, Esq., do........................... Mr, W. P. Basham, do.............................. E. Smith, Esq., do.... ........... J. J. Cribb, Esq., do............................ G. E. Foster, Esq., do................................ Ebenezer Foster, Esq., jun., do........ Mr. John Lee, do.... .......... ..... Mr. Joshua Tripling, do......... J. Ingle, Esq., do.... T. Bignold, Esq., Norwich, for first five Missionaries... E. Willet, Esq., Norwich............... William Delf, Esq., do........................................... Mrs. Davey, do............ James Cozens, Esq., do........................................... John Cozens, Esq., do...... .. .. .. . Mr. Josiah Fletcher, do..... ...... A Lady, do... Miss Berkeley, Leicester Mrs. Meen, do.... John N. Foster, Esq., do... R. Booth, Esq., Coventry Mr. White, do.. The Misses Franklin, do.. A Friend to the Cause.. Young Ladies at Misses Franklins' Seminary Rev. F. Franklin, do.................. 10 0 0 2000 30 0 0 0 0 00 500 Mrs. Astley, do........... ...... A Friend, do..... Mr. G. B. Franklin, do.... ........ ........... Mr. W. Franklin's children and servants.. Mr. H. Newsome, do.... Juvenis.... 5 00 Mrs. Matherson, do....... 5 0 0 Mrs. Butterworth, do........ 5 0 0 5 0 0 Mr. James Newton. ........ ....... 5 00 Mr. S. Dalby, do..... Mr. T. Barfoot, do...................................... Small sums in plate... Mr. Wilcox, Birmingham.. .... Mr. E. Timmis, do., for first five Missionaries.... A Widow, do..................... A Friend, do.... Two Friends, by Mrs. Spicer, do....... 100 1 1 0 060 0 10 0 026 2 5 4 220 500 .... 1 0 05 20 5 0 0 Mr. and Mrs. Spicer, do.. 2 0 500 2 20 Mr. Trapp, Birmingham, per Rev. T. Morgan. 1 0 10 0 0 Mr. W. Jenkins, do..... 50 1 0 0 "Of thine own have I given thee," Leeds 000 Rev. T. Morgan, Birmingham, for 1st and 2nd Missionary.. Collected by Mrs. W. Sing, Bridgnorth Do., Miss Thompson, do.......... Mr. Ricketts, Worcester Mrs. Harwood, do.............. Sundry small sums..................................... 200 0 10 0 A Friend, Tewkesbury.. Miss M. J. Read, Bradford... Messrs. Pearce, Bradford........... Rev. J. Seymour, do............. A Friend, do.... Mrs. Ralph, do........ 2 0 1 0 Canuel Dorkins, Esq., do..... 0 Rev. D. Thompson, Fakenham........... 10 0 ..... Mr. Joseph Smith, Norwich... 5 0 Mr. E. Edmonds, do....... Mr. Hodds, do.... 0 5 Mites of Two Widows.... 010 John Foster, Esq., Biggleswade, for last five Missionaries.... 0 0 W. R. Cartwright, Esq., do....... B. Anstie, Esq. and Lady, do....... Mr. E. Anstie, do...... 0 0 20 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 5 00 1 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 ............ Isaac Leonard, Esq., Bristol.............. 20 0 0 |