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Missionary Herald.

BAPTIST MISSION.

Foreign Intelligence.

SERAMPORE.

A COMMUNICATION from our brethren at this station, dated in February last, contains the following account of a young bride burnt with her betrothed husband.

CALCUTTA.

From Mr. Penney to a Friend in England, dated

February 18, 1819.

LET me persuade you, (as your mind is so much exercised respecting the unenlightened heathen,) to think still more seriously respecting these parts, where every labourer is constantly repeating the Macedonian cry, "Come over and help us." Here is work sufficient to consume the zeal of angels; for multi-, tudes are willing to hear the gospel that the religion of Jesus will, ere long, and frequently express their conviction fill the whole world: they say that the world at present is divided, but that this SEVERAL months ago, in the vicinity religion is calculated to cement the human of Chandernagore, a female victim was race in one. Calcutta, and indeed the immolated on the funeral pile, under cir- whole of Bengal, to the feelings of a true cumstances peculiarly affecting. She was Missionary, whose heart is disposed more a young woman, who had been recently for work than success, must be viewed as betrothed to a young man of the same an important field of labour. His eyes town. Every thing was prepared for the may behold in the highways, hedges, celebration of the nuptials, which had markets, and at the river-side, human bebeen fixed for the next day; the relatives ings hurrying on to destruction in the of both parties had arrived from a dis- midst of awful darkness; and yet their tance to honour the marriage with their movements are not so speedy but that presence; and the circle of their friends they will wait with patience to listen to already enjoyed in anticipation the festi- the angel now flying in the midst of vities which the approaching day would heaven with the everlasting gospel, sayusher in. The preceding evening, how-ing, "Fear God, and give glory to him." ever, the bridegroom was taken ill of the Cholera Morbus, and in a few hours was a lifeless corpse. Information being conveyed of the melancholy event to the bride, she instantly declared her determination to ascend the funeral pile of her betrothed lord; a long debate was hereupon held between the relations of the bride and the priests respecting the legality of the act; the result of which was, that in such cases the shasters considering the bride as bound to her husband by the vow she had taken, per-pared for the various tribes of India, to mitted a voluntary immolation on the send them" the wonderful works of funeral pile. The next day, therefore, God;" the vast number of the rising instead of the music and joy which had generation rescued from ignorance and been anticipated, the bride was led to the stupidity, &c.-yet, notwithstanding so banks of the Ganges, amid the silent much has been done, there is no moral grief of her friends and relatives, and change in the bulk of the people. A burnt with the dead body of her intend- breach only has been made, which will ed husband. require a vigorous attack, by others press

VOL. XII.

But, farther, for your encouragement, consider those good men who entered this field at the commencement, and have continued now about twenty-five years. Had labour only been their portion, they would have abandoned the field of action.

But God has granted them great success, much beyond their most sanguine expectations. Reflect on the churches planted by them in Calcutta, Serampore, Cutwa, Chittagong, Monghyr, Patna, Di nagepore, &c. the translations pre

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ing forward to the battle, to assist to demolish the high places raised by Satan, that every successive generation may be enabled to gain a larger triumph than their fathers, until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. All these are given to the Redeemer by covenant, and by the signs of the times let us hope it is not far distant; we wait only for a greater out-pouring of the Spirit, before we shall hear a shaking of the dry bones in this valley of death.

Give my love to Mr. Ward, and say, that all at Serampore and Calcutta are well, and praying for his return for the good of the heathen. We are all. I hope, usefully employed; if not usefully, I can assure you we are happily employed. God grant we may be both.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Adam, to
Dr. Ryland, dated

Calcutta, March 22, 1819.

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all their prejudices, and deprives them of all the hopes in which they have formerly trusted for salvation, as well as threatens the loss of all that is dear to them in this life, imperfectly acquainted (at least for the first few years,) with the language in which he has to address them, and therefore liable to render his meaning unintelligible, or perhaps even to excite some prejudice which might otherwise have lain dormant-labouring under these, and other disadvantages, his mind is oppressed by the responsibility of his charge, and his unfitness for the discharge of its duties. But when you place by his side one who has left all and followed Christ, who knows his own language, and is competent to assist him in understanding native idioms, and in expressing Christian ideas in a native form, who is acquainted with all their prejudices, and can guard him against unnecessarily offending them,his hands are strengthened, his mouth is opened, and he engages in his work with a delight which he cannot otherwise feel; since much of the pleasure a Missionary enjoys, arises from the assurance that he is communicating good news to those who need it; an assurance which he cannot

I HAVE just removed to the new station at Doorgapore, where I expect to remain six months, during the whole of which, if I succeed in obtaining any na-enjoy, if he has any ground to suspect tive assistance, I shall be able very actively to employ myself in preaching the gospel to the natives in this populous neighbourhood, as during this time there will he nothing else to call my attention away from the grand object. Without native assistance, I shall not be able to do much, on account of my imperfect acquaintance with the language; and it appears to me, that the most qualified of the native preachers, if standing alone, will be found unable to give a faithful representation of divine truth in all its parts, or to defend it with judgment against opposers, amongst whom are to be found in this country men of great research, learning, and ingenuity. But however unable to stand alone, place him by the side of an European, and he becomes a most important auxiliary; his prudence, his courage, his knowledge, are increased; his voice is heard with tenfold effect; he gives full scope to his imagination in representing divine truth under those images and metaphors which are so common, and so much liked, in this country; and thus while he preaches the gospel to his countrymen, instructs his European companion in the mode of applying it with greater effect to their judgments and consciences. On the other hand, a solitary European is almost as helpless as a native in the same circumstances. A stranger In a strange country, surrounded by people of a strange tongue, having to propose to them a message which awakens

that he has failed to put his hearers in complete possession of his meaning. Such are almost precisely the circumstances in which I find myself placed, after the lapse of a twelvemonth from the time of my arrival in India. It has fallen upon me to commence Missionary operations at the Doorgapore station, which it is intended that each of those among us, who are not prevented by other engagements, shall occupy for six months in rotation. My knowledge of the language is naturally very imperfect, and if I stood alone, I could not expect to be so useful for two or three years to come, as I now hope to be with the native assistance I shall obtain; but surrounded, as I am, entirely by natives, I am placed in circumstances the most favourable for increasing my acquaintance with the language, and qualifying me more for Missionary duties. Before, however, commencing my work here systematically, a good deal of preparatory work in building must be attended to, which, on account of the extreme ignorance, perverseness, and laziness of the native workmen, requires much time to be spent in superintendence and direction. A bungalow has been already built for us to live in; a house for morning and evening worship, at the side of the road, is now building; and also a bouse for Panchon, our native assistant; to which will be added, in the same line, three others for the reception of those who come from

tively engaged in schools. Brethren E. Carey and Yates are commencing the Persian and Hindost'hanee with the view of preaching to Mussulmen. The Rev. Mr. Corrie, now resident in Calcutta, and brethren Townley and Keith, who are zealously engaged in their work, have been reinforced by the arrival of two new Missionaries.

BENARES.

Extracts from Brother Smith's Journal.

any distance to inquire about the gospel. Besides these, we propose building two places of worship, or Bengalee chapels, in Boronagur, a neighbouring and very populous village, the expense of which will be defrayed by our American friends, and two others in those parts of Calcutta which are naturally included in the range of the Doorgapore station. For the reason which I have just mentioned, I have been able to go out but little among the natives on week-days, only twice or thrice with Panchon, early in the morning; but on the two Lord's-days that we have been here, our hands have been full of work. On the first of these brother Penney, and August 8th. A durvesh called, who, on the second brother Eustace Carey, came after hearing the gospel, appeared much to assist me. By one means and another, affected, and promised to call again. 9th. I find that the spirit of inquiry is spread- Lord's-day. Preached at Sicrole. From ing, and that many are desirous of know- thence went to Ram-kuttora, where I coling what the gospel is. One, two, or lected a large congregation, who listened three persons occasionally drop in at to the word with much attention. 10th. morning or evening worship, having The durvesh called with a Mussulman; come from some distance to satisfy after hearing the gospel, he said, " My themselves about us, and our object. heart is much inclined to embrace the Last night, six persons came to worship, Christian religion; pray for me, that two of whom remained two hours, and God may grant me the desires of my another, a learned Brahmuu, three hours, heart." 11th. Several persons called, to and employed the whole time in asking whom I read and explained the Scripture. questions, and obtaining information. The 12th. Conversed with a sunyasee in the questions they proposed were, as far as I presence of many people at Prublad-ghat. recollect, the following.-Where was From thence went to the Old Fort, and Jesus Christ born? What form did he spoke to many. Brother Ram-Dasa conassume in becoming incarnate? What versed with a number of Brahmuns close worship does Jesus Christ require? What to the Thuttera bazar; at the close, a will be obtained by worshipping him? All Brahmun asked him, "Of what cast are of which produced discussions into which you, that you are speaking against our I endeavoured to introduce as much of religion?" Brother R. said, " I was forthe substance of the gospel as possible. merly a Brahmun, but on hearing the Our object, however, is in many instances gospel, I was led to discover the evils of not comprehended. Several persons have heathenism; therefore, through divine called, who supposed that we had come grace, I have left the road that leadeth bere for the purpose of keeping a school. to destruction, and have believed on the These we have undeceived, and sent Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the away with tracts, after communicating to world to satisfy the justice of God by them the message of the gospel. It is giving his own life in order to save manour intention, indeed, to attempt the in-kind from sin and hell." The Brahmuns struction of a few native girls, when our influence may be such as to prevail upon the parents to send them. The schools amongst the natives for the instruction of boys are numerous, and of various kinds, but they have the most rooted antipathy against the education of the female sex, and the attempts made to overcome it, have been few, and only partially successful. Every fresh attempt, however, diminishes the quantity of ignorance, and weakens the strength of the preju

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and others wondered, and said, "Truly, this is a good man." 14th. Went out with brother Ram-Dasa to the chowk, where we saw in a shop a picture of our Lord on the cross. Brother R. on seeing it, burst into tears, saying, "Thus the Lord of glory suffered and died for our sins." From thence I went to the house of a rich native of Benares, who kindly received me, and heard the gospel with much attention. 16th. Lord's-day. Preached at Sicrole. The Brahmun who was present on the 26th ult. called again and ap peared very much affected at the discourse. After worship, he clasped both his hands, and said, "Sir, ever since I heard the word of God, my mind has been

An enclosed place; a market place.

the discourse, a Brahmun, said, "Your scriptures are quite contrary to ours; therefore I hope you will not speak much." The corpse and the woman were taken to Brumba-ghat, where they intended to burn her with the corpse. After they had performed their superstitious ceremonies, they placed the woman on the pile with the corpse, and set fire to the wood. As soon as the flame touched her, she jumped off the pile, and fell into the water. Immediately the Brahmuns seized her, in order to put her again into the flames: she exclaimed,

burned." The company's officer being present, she was brought home safely. 30th. Lord's-day. Preached at Sicrole; after worship went with the two enquirers to their village at Lartara, where about fifty persons assembled, and heard the gospel with great attention. Several appeared much affected, and said,

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Truly the English have the true plan of salvation." After our friends had given up their stone gods, &c. they left the village, saying, "We used to worship ignorantly these stones, instead of the living God."

DELHI.

much alarmed. I wished much to see you; and, agreeably to my promise, I called in town to see you, but not finding your house, I returned home. The following Sabbath I called at this meeting house very early, but not seeing you, I returned home very sorrowful. This morning, through the blessing of God, I have found you, and I hope you will take me with you, and instruct me in the knowledge of the truth: I am ready to forsake all for Christ's sake." When the dinner came on the table, I asked him to eat; he sat down, and said, "Why should I be bound in the pride of cast," Do not murder me; I don't wish to be while I am seeking my deliverance from sin?" The spectators wondered; they thought that the Missionaries gave the Brahmuns money; but now they see, that it is nothing but the love of Jesus which draws them to give up all. On my way home, I addressed the people in two places; the Brahmun followed me home, conversing on religious subjects. After a few hours, he took leave, requesting me to send brother Ram-Dasa to his village to-morrow morning, and that he would return with him with his brother. 17th. Early in the morning, brother Ram-Dasa went to the Brahmun's house at Lartara, about five miles from Benares; he found him conversing with his mother and brother on the gospel. On seeing brother R. he received him very kindly, and called all his friends and relations to hear the gospel, when a good number assembled. Brother R. read and explained a Hindee tract; many wondered, and one exclaimed, "These are the words which attracted our friend Maya-Dasa; on account of which, he wishes to leave his mother, brother, house, land, &c. Now all our persuasions will not draw his mind away." After a little more conversation, Maya-Dasa bade farewell to all his family and friends, and left his village: this brother accompanied him to my house. Maya - Dasa endeavoured to draw his brother from heathenism. His brother said, "My dear brother, say what you wish, but I cannot give up my cast," and returned to his village. 25th. Maya-Dasa's brother called, to whom I explained the word of life, with which he appeared much affected, and requested me to go to his village next Sabbath-day, and preach to the Brahmuns. 26th. Preached in several parts of the town to crowds of people: many on hearing the gospel appeared much delighted. 27th. Addressed the word to a crowd of people at Pruhlad-ghat, where a woman was to be burned alive with the corpse of her husband. At the close of

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Thompson.
Dated, Sept. 9, 1818.

FOR the last six weeks, I have been visited by numbers of Afghans, the ma jority of whom were excellent Arabic and Persian scholars, nor least informed in their own language, the Pushtoo, or as they pronounce it, Pokhto. Some of these people were from Peshour, others from Cabul, and others from the banks of the Attock, and were all mouluvees, readers of the koran, &c. in the service of Meerkhan, the once predatory Rohilla. Among these descendents of the ten tribes I have at length been so happy as to distribute the stock of Matthew's Gospel in Pushtoo, long since sent up to me, and for which I sought in vain even one anxious reader, or worthy recipient at Lucknow. The Scriptures of Truth now first put into the hands of this interesting people, in Arabic, Persian, and Pushtoo, must afford a pleasing hope of good to their souls. Still do these Afghans continue to come for the book of David and of Jesus, and give many intimations of their esteem for the divine word. Some of them being on the eve of quitting Delhi for their respective countries, have more than once asked me to accompany them, with a supply of the word of God for their coun

trymen, who, they say, will be very anxious to possess and search the writings of inspiration.

Nor are some Mahometans of this place less desirous of possessing the volume of revelation. Besides the mouluvees mentioned in former communications, another

(quite a young man) has begged the loan of an Arabic Bible and other books. Some of equal, and others of less note,

have either called on me or solicited the

scriptures during my walks abroad: an aged and much respected Sha-jee in particular professes great veneration for the sacred writings, as he terms them, of Moses, of David, and of Jesus; and a persuasion that they will prepare him for that eternal state of existence to which he feels he is hastening.

The visits of the Hindoos are more frequent, and the circulation of the divine word and tracts amongst them more extensive: my conversations too when at the ghats and other places of resort are confined (not from choice but circumstances) almost exclusively to them: sometimes very orderly and attentive sipabees, pundits, Brahmuns, &c. and not unfre quently viragees, gosaees, or the common people, compose my auditory. If I happen to have tracts in my hand, they are well received, after a discussion of Christian truths and Hindoo errors; otherwise they follow me home, or visit me the following day.

Thus am I going about sowing the seed of God's word, and endeavouring to give a free course to the waters of life through all the wilderness around me. Among the Europeans, I am happy to say there are some tokens for good in one; not produced by the late ministry of the word, but through a course of painful affliction, reading, (especially the Bible with notes), and the remembrance of what was long since heard from the lips of my highly esteemed pastors. Numerous are the remarks he brings to mind, and we comment upon them for our mutual profit.

As to books for Delhi, I beg you will send me the Divine word for all the neighbouring states. It is in my heart to visit with the words of salvation, whatever may be my reception, the whole continent of India; to traverse every country, and speak to every people, language, and tongue, beginning at Delhi, and proceeding gradually all around to the darkest and most distant provinces.

I remain, &c.

Sha is a term implying greatness; jee, a term of respect, like Sir; here, Sha-jee, as applied to a religious mendicant, imports, that he is a distinguished person of this order.

MIDNAPORE.

BROTHER Domingo D'Cruz, (say the Serampore brethren,) has been to Calcutta for his fainily; has returned to this station; and has sent us his first

Journal of labours at Midnapore. He describes the place as populous; and manifests a good degree of zeal in his conversations with the natives.

CAWNPORE.

Letter from Nriputa - Singha, a Native Preacher, to Mr. Ward.

Dated, Oct. 9, 1818.

ONE day on our return from preaching, a sipahee followed us, and asked me if the saheb came from Serampore (meaning Serjeant Lewis); I answered in the nega tive. He acknowledged having been at Serampore a long time ago, and having got a gospel there, which he said had taken much effect on his mind; and whereas he used to call Ram-Ram, &c. &c. he now calls Yisoo, Yisoo, a thousand times a day. He came with us to worship, and promised to attend; I met him on the road once since, and asked why he did not attend: he said that he was on duty.

A raja sent for me once last month. I went to him, and took brother Bahadur with me. He received us very kindly, and called for his pundit, and desired them to discourse with me; so they both asked me a few questions; but they told their master, that they were not able to talk with me, and they acknowledged that what I said was true. Why then, said I, do you go on in the wrong? they answered, it was for their bellies. They then read to the raja the 2d chapter of Matthew; after a while he took the book out of my hand, and read himself, and returned it to me, on which I offered the book to him, and some more, if he would accept of them. I am sorry he did not, but seemed very well pleased all the time. I staid there near two hours speaking of the Blessed Messiah.

I remain, &c.

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