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that the number of baptised natives was 587, and that those united in the fellowship of the church were 83. He likewise states that all, except the oldest people, can read, and many of them have learned to write. In common with the other brethren, he earnestly urges the Directors to send forth

additional labourers; and, viewing the magnitude of the work before him, entreats the continuance of fervent prayer on behalf of himself and his brethren, by all who have at heart the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom in the world.

BERHAMPORE MISSION, NORTH OF INDIA.

IN few parts of India has greater opposition and enmity to the Gospel of Christ been experienced than at Berhampore, the station occupied, in connexion with Moorshedabad, by the Rev. Messrs. Hill and Paterson. For several years after the arrival there of our brother, Mr. Hill, whenever he attempted to preach the tidings of redeeming mercy, he was hooted and hissed by the people, his voice was drowned in tumult, clapping of hands, and shouts of "hurree bol;" and men would even pursue him with clubs to do him personal injury. But through mercy our beloved brother has been preserved; the Lord has graciously strengthened and sustained him. Undeterred by the difficulties and dangers of his holy enterprise, he has continued to preach the word of reconciliation, to invite the weary and heavy-laden to the fountain open for sin; and, though hostility and prejudice have not wholly ceased, he has been at length favoured to behold a general salutary change effected in the native mind. We rejoice to perceive, among the multiplying tokens of good for India at the present time, the growing impression of the value of Missionary labour on the part of a numerous class of the Europeans residing in the country. With this improved tone of public feeling, the friends of the Missionaries themselves are also becoming more numerous, and their personal claims to affection and esteem are increasingly noticed and acknowledged. The Calcutta Christian Observer, for December last, contains an interesting and comprehensive account of Berhampore and Moorshedabad, furnished by a correspondent who had lately visited this quarter of the Bengal Présidency, and by whom the following honourable testimony is borne to the character of the devoted brethren at these stations, and to the zealous and persevering manner in which, with the valuable assistance of Mr. Cussons who is stationed at Moorshedabad, they pursue the great object of their Mission. The writer ob

serves:

tives, without even the protection of a chatah (or umbrella.) This is a qualification few Missionaries possess. Of active habits and vivacious mind, this excellent Missionary is indefatigable in his holy calling, preaching frequently not fewer than four and five times daily, besides superintending (in conjunction with his able fellowlabourer) a school on the Mission premises for native Christian boys, and conversing early and late with inquiring natives, many of whom come from considerable distances to discuss religious topics.

Mr. Hill, with his able and amiable coadjutor, Mr. Paterson, is assiduously occupied in the humble and unostentatious, but arduous and important, sphere of Missionary toil. Mr. Paterson has been only a few years in the country, and is of course not yet sufficiently acclimated to bear the same exposure as his senior. The latter, indeed, seems to possess a constitution of iron. I have been with him (but unable to do like him) when, under a raging sun, in the hottest period of the day, he has stood for hour or more addressing a crowd of naWe deeply regret to add, that the communications from Mr. Hill, for some time past, convey a less favourable view of his health than is presented in the above pleasing statement. Our brother informs us that he has of late suffered much from bodily indisposition, induced, we doubt not, by unceasing exertion in the burning climate of the East; and this is confirmed by Mrs. Hill, who is now in England, having herself been obliged for a season to leave her honoured husband in India, and return in quest of health to her native country.

The appended extracts from Mr. Hill's late journals of his itinerant labours in the vicinity of Berhampore throw much light on the general character and condition of the native inhabitants in relation to their spiritual concerns. The Orphan Asylum, to which Mr. Hill adverts, was commenced in Berhampore several years ago. Our brother feels the utmost solicitude and interest on behalf of this institution, which, though not altogether of a Missionary character, will prove, it is hoped, a means of extensive good in this part of India. The following account of its design and operations is taken from the communication already noticed. After stating that the establishment of the Asylum originated in the liberal contributions of the late magistrate of Moorshedabad, David Dale, Esq., Mr. Hill, and other friends residing in the neighbourhood, the writer thus pro-, ceeds :

Those admitted are all native children deprived of both parents, and under eight years of age. If much above that age their idolatrous impressions and habits will have become somewhat fixed, and the less likely to be erased by a Christian education. They are instructed in reading, writing, and the truths of Christianity, and, in due time, in the arts and manufactures of the country. As they grow up, the object is to locate them together, and so form a native Christian community, entirely supported by their own industry. These objects are perseveringly and most industriously pursued; and it affords a most delightful treat to a benevolent mind to visit this infant establishment, where, after early morning prayers and lessons, meals and relaxation are over, you may find a number of poor orphans of various ages learning to spin, to weave, to carpenter, &c.; not as an ungrateful task arbitrarily and rigidly exacted, but kindly and considerately directed, and therefore cheerfully performed. Mr. Hill has tried various expedients for giving the lads useful employments, by which they may hereafter be enabled to support themselves and their future families. ***The staple at present is cotton thread and tapes of all descriptions.

Mr. Hill has latterly taken a farm in the neighbourhood, on which, entirely at his own personal risk, he has located individuals whom he can trust, and where by their labour he cultivates the mulberry; what he does not sell of this is employed in feeding and rearing silk worms; and which, it is hoped, will ultimately produce a fund adequate to the support of the Orphan Institution, to which it is entirely devoted.

The residents of the station have from time to time kindly contributed their sup

port, in all cases coming voluntarily forward; for it is a principle in Mr. Hill's plan not to beg, but rather to struggle through difficulties with a simple dependence on a kind Providence. In 1835, an excellent civilian, now in Calcutta, most liberally gave 500 rupees to commence the farm. This contains 100 bighás of land, at an annual rent of 100 rupees. The money was laid out in building and levelling the ground, and in planting 25 bighás of mulberries, the profits of which are at present employed in extending the cultivation; this it is hoped will, ere the year ends, have spread over 70 bighás. It is then contemplated to raise suitable buildings and procure apparatus, not only for the growth of the silk-worm, but for the reeling of silk.

The present number of orphans is 14; ten more are expected in this present month of December, and future additions will be limited only by the means of supporting them.

I have reason to know that the Missionary's personal sacrifices towards this charitable object are not small; and I know not one that presents a fairer claim to the liberality of all who feel interested in the future welfare of India. *** As its prospects brighten, however, it is fondly, and not without just reason hoped, that by the blessing of Almighty God, the Berhampore Orphan Asylum, composed of industrious Christians, will become a true oasis in the desert of ignorance, bigotry, and superstition; and will practically show to the surrounding multitude the positive blessedness of Christianity; and in progress of time also, will, from its own resources, send out and support its humble native Missionaries, and well-prepared preachers of the Gospel. (To be continued.)

SOUTHERN INDIA.-CHITTOOR MISSION.

AMONG the recent communications from the South of India, we have received the following, under date June 30, 1837, from the Rev. John Bilderbeck, of Chittoor,

which we are persuaded will be read with more than ordinary interest and plea

sure:

The Lord be praised for the privilege enjoyed these several years of making known the Gospel of his Son at this station, and in the surrounding districts. It is a privilege the exercise of which has not been without its peace-inspiring influence upon the heart, while the misgivings of the soul, and a consciousness of numerous infirmities in the discharge of the calling, are sufficient at the same time to fill the mind with the deepest contrition and humility before God. May the Lord mercifully forgive whatever has been wrong, and graciously vouchsafe his blessing upon his own work, to the praise and glory of his holy name! The following are the details of the labours at this station.

Prayer for the Divine Influence.

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The weekly and monthly prayer-meetings have gone on as usual. The need of the effusion of the Holy Spirit, it is apprehended, is not sufficiently felt, or else greater numbers would willingly flock round the Father's throne. May the Lord, according to his promise, pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of supplication!" Convinced of the necessity and blessedness of this Divine influence to render Missionary labours effectual, and to keep alive the love of Christ in the heart, a public special meeting was held at this station, on Friday the 30th of June, 1837. Several suitable resolutions were prepared on this subject, and the meeting was addressed with great feeling and animation by all the native teachers and readers of the out-stations, who were invited for the occasion. It was then agreed that such meeting be held every year for renewed dedication to God, and to his cause. Soon after the meeting was dissolved the native teachers and others joined together in ratifying their covenant with Jehovah at the table of the Lord. One, at least, can truly say, it was a season of peculiar refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Shame and confusion filled the breast under a consciousness of numerous infirmities, and a humble sense of the Divine love strengthened and summoned the energies for further perseverance in well-doing.

Native Christians.-Comparative view.

As it regards the native Christians generally, while it is to be deeply lamented that real religion is dormant in many, and that spirituality is scarcely visible, yet it is some satisfaction for those who have had the oversight of them, to watch the changes

that have been gradually gaining ground from the beginning in their habits and conduct. Formerly, mendicity might have been mistaken for a regular profession of their lives; now, the people are learning to provide for themselves by every honest labour. At one time the Missionary's assistance was often sought to adjust their many differences; now, and for a long while past, not one instance of the kind has been known. Once it was necessary to visit them in their abodes on Saturday, to secure their attendance at the chapel on the Sabbath; now, they voluntarily come to the house of God by their own accord, and in greater numbers than they have ever done, although the visits to their houses are but occasional. In former times there were scarcely any who could order their speech before God in prayer; now, there are some who can do so with propriety and unction; formerly, none were found either inclined or eligible for communion; now, there are a few who appear as a sign unto the world. All these are changes that call for grateful acknowledgment to God, and which show that mourning is not unmingled with the spirit of thanksgiving. Though there is much to humble in the history of this Mission, and but little to gratify, yet that "little" is of Him who hath graciously promised, "a little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time!''

Labours among the Heathen.

A great part of those who are accustomed to hear the word at Chittoor, consist of persons who come from distant districts to settle suits at court, and to transact other public business; and the rest are either the connexions of the convicts in the jail, or the relatives of those who fill respectable offices under Government at this station. The population of Chittoor itself is comparatively small, and is composed of Mohammedans, Telugus, and Tamulians, who are occupied as merchants, farmers, and mechanics. Those who come from distant countries have the advantage of taking with them to their different districts, when they return, what they hear and receive of the Gospel; but there are no means of tracing any further its effects upon their minds when they are once removed from the reach of observation. Eternity alone can disclose the results, while at present it is enough to rest upon God's promise that his "word will not return unto him void, but it will accomplish that which he pleases.' As to others who are stationary in their location,

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feelings are apparently awakened which seem at first to promise well, but they prove either momentary, or, if indicated for any length of time, are found to be suspicious, discovering certain ulterior and secular ends. The preaching of the word to such may be for the present regarded, perhaps, merely as 66 a testimony;" time, however, will discover results. It is not the province of mortals to dive into futurity, theirs is merely to obey a present command; the issue must be left with Him who will command nothing that is truly impossible even when not understood. "Then said Daniel, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?" But God answered and said, "Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end!"

Out-stations.-Walajahpettah.

people, the wide commercial intercourse it holds with many of the largest trading districts in this part of India, thereby opening a channel for Divine truth to such unoccupied fields as Hyderabad, Nellore, Masulipatam, and Mysore, and more especially its central position among other outstations visited by this Mission, affording every means of immediate access to the heathen; among others to Conjeveram, that noted place of annual resort, (Cholinger and Old Arcot, being close in the vicinity,)—these circumstances, as well as its being secluded and free from even foreign association, have all contributed to invite serious attention to Walajahpettah as a most desirable spot at which to form a principal Mission. It also appears that a location there would bring the Missionary to better than one-half the distance nearer to all his other out-stations, and so at once facilitate the general superintendence of the whole.

The vast population of this native town, the respectability and independence of its After mentioning the progress made towards effecting this arrangement, that a convenient spot of ground had been procured through the kindness of the collector, that a plan and estimate for suitable Mission premises had been prepared by a Christian friend of the Engineers, and that a sum of money amounting to 5007. sterling, and sufficient to cover all necessary expenses, had been given by another generous and valued friend of the Society, Mr. Bilderbeck proceeds with his account of the out-station

Arnee.

A spirit of inquiry is gaining ground among the heathen at this place. Halesworth continues most indefatigable in his exertions, and the people every where, with few exceptions, give him and his colleague a favourable reception. Some of them often call to see Halesworth, to converse with him, and to ask for tracts.

Hindus of the Jaina caste.

A few months ago a priest of the Jaina caste visited Halesworth's flock at Arnee, of whom there is a great number; and, having heard of Halesworth, sent messengers repeatedly to his house to beg a conference with him. Halesworth gladly went with his colleague, taking with him a good collection of choice tracts and Scriptures.

After conversation on the leading truths of Christianity, the priest asked the teacher for some books which taught these truths, that he might examine them for himself. Halesworth complied, and produced the tracts and Scriptures; but he was directed to place the whole of them on the ground, as the priest was scrupulous about his caste. Halesworth with humble dignity declined, and alleged that the books contained the word of God, and that it would betray a want of respect to place them on the ground merely on the recommendation of a man like himself. Upon this the priest

directed his disciples to place a wooden bench before him, and having wiped and put a cloth upon it, begged that the books might be placed upon it. Halesworth immediately did so, and the priest then took them from the table with apparent veneration, thanked him for the gift, and the next day returned to his own district.

There are many Jainas in and about Arnee, and they are all a very mild, unsuspecting, and plain-thinking class of people, but much disliked by the Brahmins, whom they never acknowledge. The writer is intimate with a few of the most influential among them, and peculiar gratification has often been felt in conversing with them; they frankly concede to almost every doctrine, and the only stumbling-block in their way at present is the practice common among Europeans of killing and dressing animals for food. They are so tenacious about this, that they repeatedly strain water before it is used. Nevertheless, it is a matter of fact, for it is a feeling that has been often heard and expressed, that a strong conviction rests on their minds that Christianity will ultimately become the prevailing religion. Oh blessed period! speed, oh speed your approach! for then religion will consist not in "meats and drinks," which profiteth nothing, but "in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost!"

which we are persuaded will be read with more than ordinary interest and plea

sure:

The Lord be praised for the privilege enjoyed these several years of making known the Gospel of his Son at this station, and in the surrounding districts. It is a privilege the exercise of which has not been without its peace-inspiring influence upon the heart, while the misgivings of the soul, and a consciousness of numerous infirmities in the discharge of the calling, are sufficient at the same time to fill the mind with the deepest contrition and humility before God. May the Lord mercifully forgive whatever has been wrong, and graciously vouchsafe his blessing upon his own work, to the praise and glory of his holy name! The following are the details of the labours at this station.

Prayer for the Divine Influence.

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The weekly and monthly prayer-meetings have gone on as usual. The need of the effusion of the Holy Spirit, it is apprehended, is not sufficiently felt, or else greater numbers would willingly flock round the Father's throne. May the Lord, according to his promise, pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of supplication!" Convinced of the necessity and blessedness of this Divine influence to render Missionary labours effectual, and to keep alive the love of Christ in the heart, a public special meeting was held at this station, on Friday the 30th of June, 1837. Several suitable resolutions were prepared on this subject, and the meeting was addressed with great feeling and animation by all the native teachers and readers of the out-stations, who were invited for the occasion. It was then agreed that such meeting be held every year for renewed dedication to God, and to his cause. Soon after the meeting was dissolved the native teachers and others joined together in ratifying their covenant with Jehovah at the table of the Lord. One, at least, can truly say, it was a season of peculiar refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Shame and confusion filled the breast under a consciousness of numerous infirmities, and a humble sense of the Divine love strengthened and summoned the energies for further perseverance in well-doing.

Native Christians.-Comparative view.

As it regards the native Christians generally, while it is to be deeply lamented that real religion is dormant in many, and that spirituality is scarcely visible, yet it is some satisfaction for those who have had the oversight of them, to watch the changes

that have been gradually gaining ground from the beginning in their habits and conduct. Formerly, mendicity might have been mistaken for a regular profession of their lives; now, the people are learning to provide for themselves by every honest labour. At one time the Missionary's assistance was often sought to adjust their many differences; now, and for a long while past, not one instance of the kind has been known. Once it was necessary to visit them in their abodes on Saturday, to secure their attendance at the chapel on the Sabbath; now, they voluntarily come to the house of God by their own accord, and in greater numbers than they have ever done, although the visits to their houses are but occasional. In former times there were scarcely any who could order their speech before God in prayer; now, there are some who can do so with propriety and unction; formerly, none were found either inclined or eligible for communion; now, there are a few who appear as a sign unto the world. All these are changes that call for grateful acknowledgment to God, and which show that mourning is not unmingled with the spirit of thanksgiving. Though there is much to humble in the history of this Mission, and but little to gratify, yet that "little" is of Him who hath graciously promised, "a little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time!"

Labours among the Heathen.

A great part of those who are accustomed to hear the word at Chittoor, consist of persons who come from distant districts to settle suits at court, and to transact other public business; and the rest are either the connexions of the convicts in the jail, or the relatives of those who fill respectable offices under Government at this station. The population of Chittoor itself is comparatively small, and is composed of Mohammedans, Telugus, and Tamulians, who are occupied as merchants, farmers, and mechanics. Those who come from distant countries have the advantage of taking with them to their different districts, when they return, what they hear and receive of the Gospel; but there are no means of tracing any further its effects upon their minds when they are once removed from the reach of observation. Eternity alone can disclose the results, while at present it is enough to rest upon God's promise that his "word will not return unto him void, but it will accomplish that which he pleases." As to others who are stationary in their location,

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