in evil conduct into which I had fallen. Thus was true in me the words of Jesus Christ that ye hearing, hear not, and seeing see not, and light is come into the world, but men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil." But about six months ago it pleased God to arouse me from my lethargy, and my mind took a sudden change. For at that time I began to think how I had abused the knowledge which God had been pleased to impart to me. A warning passage of the Scripture also came suddenly to my mind, "He that hardeneth his neck, being often reproved, shall be suddenly cut off, and that without mercy." I thought also of eternity, and other important subjects were awakened in my mind. On my return home I commenced reading Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, which strengthened my convictions, and made me see more plainly the dreadful precipice on which I was standing. Still I endeavoured to suppress these unwelcome thoughts, and even by means which would be improper to mention here, and thus attempted to shut my eyes to the danger which awaited me; but this I did in vain, for soon I felt that I may fight with God as long as this life lasteth, but in so doing I must perish finally. It also occurred to me at this time (and was of use in binding my stubborn heart), that Newton, Bacon, and other renowned philosophers, had not thought Christianity beneath their attention, and died happy in the belief of it: and I remembered also the death-bed accounts of Paine, Voltaire, and other infidels, who, although in their life-time they fought against the Bible, yet in their last moments were obliged to acknowledge Jesus Christ. Thus God was now pleased again to lead me to the study of the Bible, with an earnest desire for salvation, and as I proceeded I felt more and more the importance of being prepared for another world. I also learnt my sinful condition in the sight of God, and my utter inability to be saved by my own works. I learnt also that Jesus Christ is the only appointed Saviour, and that he is both able and willing to save to the uttermost all that apply to God by him. I left my sinful companions, and kept at home, principally studying good books. And as a candle is not lit to be put under a bushel, so I feel it my duty, having in my heart embraced Jesus Christ as the Saviour of sinners, publicly to profess myself to be his disciple in the presence of his people, which I do willingly this day. And may God strengthen me to serve him faithfully to the end of my life, that I may dwell with him hereafter.

Amen.

GUNGA NARRAYAN SIL.

In

My name is Hurry Hurr Sandal, of the Barandra caste, a Kulin Bramin of the Ram Nath Lahuri sect. My father's name was Kashinath Sandal, of the Barandra caste, a Kulin Brahmin, of the Ran Nath Lahuri sect. I dwelt with my father, in the district of Jessore, in the division called Nuldu, and in a village called Jugdul. When my father died, my elder brother, Panchanon Sandal, brought me to Calcutta. I was then ten years old. Ramchand, of the sect of Ram Nath Lahuri, a Kulin Brahmin, and his younger brother, Krishna, were my wife's brothers; they dwelt on the western side of the Ganges, near Howrah, in a village called Satragachtie; the former is cash-keeper to Raja Narayan Sing, and the latter is a Darogah in Jorasako Bazar. After my marriage with their sister, I was living in Ramchand's house. First I learned the Bengalee language, then by Ramchand I was admitted to the Rev. J. D. Ellis's school at Chitpur. I learned the English language in about two years, and was reading in the second class. When I was able to understand something of the English, the Rev. J. D. Ellis was obliged to remove his school, through his sickness, and I then went to the Rev. J. Penney's school, the Benevolent Institution, and he admitted me into the first class. the month of April there arose a great tempest on the Ganges, by which many boats were sunk. On this account I was not able to attend the school every day, because I lived over the water. I had a great desire to comprehend religious subjects, and I had a New Testament in English and other religious books, which I had read before in the school; with these I went to Seebpore, to Gunga Narayan Sil, and applied to him to teach me one or two months, which he consented to do. He was under the care of the Rev. G. Pearce. When I began to learn with him, I understood that there are not many gods, but only one Supreme Being. I and one of my friends both began to discourse with some of our relations about the gods, in which we were assisted by studying a Bengalee tract called the True Refuge. We began to read the New Testament in our house, which we understood in our hearts very well. We asked Gunga Narayan Sil some parts of the Testament, which he explained to us very clearly; so that we comprehended some of its truths. Ramkrishna Christian gave us the Gospel of Matthew, in Bengalee, which we began to learn, some parts we were incapable of understanding. Gunga Narayan Sil and Ramkrishna explained

these to us. Ramkrishna gave me the New Testament in Bengalee, and by reading this and other religious books obtained from Gunga Narayan Sil, and also by conversation with him, I understood that Jesus Christ is the true Saviour, and that I am a great sinner. Then I told Gunga Narayan Sil, that I wished to be a Christian, of which he informed Rev. G. Pearce, and he spoke to me and gave me advice, he also gave me a letter to give to Rev. J. Penney. At that time Gunga Narayan Sil was going to Lukhyantipore to preach the gospel, and I wished to go with him and to return to Calcutta. I then went to Rev. J. Penney, and gave the letter to him. He read the letter, and spoke to me and encouraged me. I told him that I wished to go to Lukhyantipore with Gunga Narayan Sil, so he said to Gunga Narayan Sil, “You had better take him with you." So we went there, and after he had finished his work in preaching to the Christians, I came back with him, and have since lived with Shuja'atali Christian, from whom I have received religious instructions. Rev. J. Penney also instructed me and supplied me with all needful things. Shuja'atali Christian has kept me very carefully in his house, and treated me like a son; he has also taught me many things about the Scriptures, and the manners and customs of

Christians. He also gave me suitable books to read, by which I have gained more strength and hope. Now my faith is this, that Christ has died for me, and though my relations have endeavoured to hinder me, and have quarrelled with Mr. Penney in his house, yet I can say, like Paul, "Who can separate me from the love of Christ ?"

and I praise him who has saved me, a sinful man, from the shadow of darkness and of death, and will make me a partner in the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life. For this I pray every day, that if I live I may live to the Lord, or if I die that death may be my gain. Now those disciples of Christ, who have assisted me in seeking my salvation, I thank them, and I know surely they will not lose their reward. Now I wish to be baptized, for I have read in the Bible, that those who believe in the gospel and are baptized shall be saved. I know I shall not be saved by baptism, but I wish from respect and love to keep the command ments of the Lord, who hath said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

LUKHYANTIPORE.

Brother Carapeit visited the villages last week, and was much pleased with the spirit of the people, and with their attention to the means of grace. He had the pleasure of baptizing five persons, who had been

waiting nearly a twelvemonth. When brother Williamson visited the villages he expressed himself satisfied with their sincerity, and recommended that their baptism should not be delayed.

The work of the Lord is still making progress in these villages; the leaven is gradually diffusing its holy influence in the surrounding villages. The native preachers are active and zealous, and appear to meet with favour in the eyes of the people. The labours of Mr. De Monte, who spends most of his time in the villages, are very acceptable and instructive to the Christians. Mr. De Monte is to be commended for the attention he pays to his own improvement, as it is this which renders him useful to the native church, and to the native preachers. When the native Christians shall become more eminent for their knowledge of the Scriptures, and distinguished for their piety, the heathen will be constrained to say, "We will go with you, for we perceive that the Lord is with you." Since the departure of brother G. Pearce, we feel the need of some one to take the oversight of this inquiring and promising people. Brother Williamson, after much deliberation and anxiety, has felt it his duty to remain at Beerbhoom. must, therefore, wait patiently till some one arrives from England. August 1, 1838.

JESSORE.

We

Extract from Mr. Parry's letter for July.

Bazaar some of our auditors observing to us I remember two or three evenings at the that the time was at hand for the general such encouraging appearances, we do not prevalence of the gospel. Notwithstanding observe any poor perishing sinners sincerely concerned about salvation. Instruction is from God alone, and may it please his diour duty, but conversion must proceed vine will to send down abundantly the Holy Spirit, whose all prevailing energy can cause the dry bones to live! The cause of our Lord is evidently proceeding steadily and quietly, though slowly. We have yet Brahmins, but this class of Hindoos in to contend with a few ignorant and proud general have lost a good deal of the unhappy influence they formerly exercised

over the Shoodrus. I have often observed

the latter contending with the former on religious matters, and will not brook the dogmatic teaching of the Brahmins. Jessore, August 4, 1838.

BURISAUL.

Vishnou's Journal for June, 1838. June 5th. Reading from the tract "What

Mr. Smith's letter for June.

Last month a grand Mellah took place at Béné Rám's Garden, called Ratjátrá, which continued for three days, where I went and declared the message of God to multitudes of people, and distributed Scriptures and tracts. A Brahmin came forward, saying, "Behold our God sitting on a rat (car), richly adorned." I asked him, "Did your god get into the rat himself?" The people began to laugh, and the Brahmin, after hesitating a little, answered, "We have put him up into the car ourselves." I told him "Your god is subject to you, he cannot move without your assistance, consequently he cannot be god. God is the Creator of the universe and upholds all things by his power, and is not subject to man." To which he made no objection, but asked for some Hindi tracts, which I gladly gave him. Several Hindus and Musselmans called on me last month for books, which I supplied them, and also went about the city with Brother Ram Surn, and declared the gospel to crowds of attentive people, and we felt very thankful that we met with no opposers. July 30, 1838.

CEYLON.

We trust, that long before now our brother, Mr. Harris, and his family have safely reached this island. The following letter to the Secretary, dated from the Cape of Good Hope, 24th August,

contains pleasing information as to his progress so far.

I am sure it will be pleasing to you to hear that our voyage so far has been extremely favourable. On a comparison with other vessels, which we have been enabled to make while here, we have been singularly favoured; and I cannot refrain from drawing therefrom a happy omen of our future course. My time, on board, was occupied (so far as weather and circumstances would permit) in furthering the objects of the mission by private study and public ministrations. The Singhalese language, I hope, becomes now somewhat familiar to me, and by a careful analysis and comparison of the Greek Testament with the version you were kind enough to procure for me, I am able to dis. cern its genius, and lay hold of its idioms. No doubt, some time will elapse before I am competent publicly to instruct the natives, but I feel that I have cleared away a great deal of the ground-work by my application in England, and, consequently, I look for a proportionably shorter period of discipline in Ceylon, Your letter to Dr. Philip I found very useful. Mrs. P. has kindly procured us lodging. This step was necessary for the health and comfort of Mrs. H. and children, as well as for the preservation of our linen, some of which is already much damaged by mildew from lying so long. circumstances of decided conversion among I wish it was in my power to detail to you have laboured, I may say truly, with much any of the crew with whom we sailed. I prayer and supplication to bring them to a right comprehension of their state in the sight of God, and have always been favoured with the most serious attention, and the most respectful behaviour. Nothing like weariness or disinclination to listen was discoverable on their countenances, and I generally found them reading either the Scriptures or tracts (which I distributed to them), during the other parts of the day. used, and the strictest order has been Profane language has scarcely ever been observed. With the captain and mate I have had frequent and close conversations, and I cannot but hope their purport and solemnity will be remembered when we are perhaps far separated from each other.

This place is awfully irreligious, nearly one half its population are professedly Mohammedans, and a great part of the residue evidently live "without hope and without God in the world." I am to preach for Dr. Philip on Sabbath morning next, if spared, at half-past nine. Mr. Williams and his fellow labourers left here about six weeks ago, on their way to the South Seas. It is pleasing to be treading in the same steps.

hope the churches in England will exert

themselves to aid to the utmost possible extent the dissemination of that religion which alone has the stamp of God's hand upon it, and which brings such a number, as well as such a variety of blessings in its train. May a spirit of prayer fall on all their proceedings in reference to the enlightening of the Heathen nations.

We are told to expect about six weeks voyage from hence to Ceylon; and after what we have gone through this seems a mere trifle. I hope our respected brother Daniel's life will be preserved until our arrival. What awaits us is uncertain, but that "grace sufficient" will be at hand is just as certain; and, therefore, the apostle's lesson, I hope, I have in some measure learnt in whatever state I am, therewith content." I am sure, if my removal hither has done no other good, it has increased my faith, my hope, my love. It has given me holier aspirations than I ever had before, and warmed my heart with a more extensive benevolence. It has enlarged my mind both in regard to God and man; and I have always had the pleasing attestation, that his hand hath led me, and upheld me. Mrs. Harris and the dear children are well and our servant likewise.

WEST INDIES.

JAMAICA.

BETHTEPHIL.

Extract of a letter from Mr. Dendy, dated

Aug. 22.

Since the memorable 1st of August until the present time I have delayed writing, knowing that information concerning the manner in which the complete emancipation of the negro population was celebrated would reach you through the medium of the Island press. The Falmouth Post of the 15th inst. contains an account of proceedings at Salter's Hill, and Bethtephil Missionary stations. Our people on that occasion manifested their usual liberality, and to me their collection came at an opportune time, as payments are becoming due, and means for the erection of galleries, which are commenced, have to be provided for.

The people on the estates, by whom I am surrounded, have been remarkably peaceful, orderly, and quiet, since the 1st of August, and have manifested the most anxious disposition to work for wages; but I regret to state, that the managers of properties have not come forward with fair and equitable offers; but have, in some cases, endeavoured to intimidate the labourers to accept of an unfair rate of wages, by serving them with notice to quit their houses and lands within three months. I believe however

that in some cases of this sort managers have seen their folly, by recalling their notices, and I suppose will now be ready to make inore fair and equitable offers for labour; if they do so, the people will soon be regularly at work, which I feel persuaded they will perform with cheerfulness.

anticipate a large increase to the num ber of day-scholars in our schools, in consequence of the termination of the appren ticeship, which has released a number of children of about ten or twelve years of age, who will now avail themselves of the opportunity afforded of learning to read.

BAHAMAS.

Turk's Island. It is pleasing to find, by the following communication from Mr. Quant, that the day of freedom was observed, in that remote quarter, with the same decorum which distinguished it in Jamaica:

Since I last wrote you the much-anticipated, and, by some, the much-dreaded, 1st of August has passed. The Bahama legislature, as you have most likely been informed, abandoned the two years' apprenticeship and, on the first of August, made all her apprentices free. The news arrived at this extremity of the colony on the 13th, and caused among the apprentices universal joy. With many a feeling of holy joy and gratitude to God was produced; and in other places where the apprentices where uninfluenced by religious considerations, the feeling was so softened and subdued, that but few kept their jubilee at the rumshop; and I have not heard of a single case of disorderly conduct brought before the magistrates on that occasion. We have had a little salt to rake in the Cay since, and a few vessels have been in for cargoes; the people work merrily and cheerfully; and, as far as I can learn, quite to the satisfaction of their late owners; and all appear, as far as my observation extends, very well satisfied with the change. But this has been a very trying year for all on this Cay, both rich and poor, free and bond. Last year the hurricane destroyed so much of the salt, that but little was left to give the poor people an opportunity of earning any money by shipping it; and this has been almost a total failure for the salt-rakers. When I make up my accounts of receipts for the year in the classes, &c., on account of the society, I am afraid you will discover a falling off; and had I to build my chapel now, I know not how I should succeed, such is the depressed state of finances in the community. The sole dependence of ninetenths of the community is salt. When we have abundance of this article money