This morning we had a consultation with Conga and his chief men; but (like the people of Mateebe, at Lattakoo) he declines giving his own opinion until we can consult (king) Geika, and the other chiefs. We are to have a General Meeting of Geika, Hinza, Slambe, Makanna, and other chiefs, in a few days. I hope, on my return to Bethelsdorp, to write more fully. My chief design at present is merely to state that I have not the least doubt that this great field is already ripe for the harvest, and that we shall immediately want more Missionaries. On our passing the Fish River, we met with the Caffre woman, formerly mentioned, whose heart' (like Lydia's) the Lord had opened.' She said, that she had long been praying that the servants of the Lord might come, to teach her the way to happiness;-that she wanted of us no beads, buttons, &c. but the word of God. The Captain said, that he could have wept for joy yesterday, on account of our arrival; but was ashamed to do so before his people. Cease not to pray for us, and believe me to remain, though with many defects, your ready servant, for Christ's sake, J. READ. INDIA. m Extract of a Letter from Mr. Skinner to Mr. Bogue, dated Surat, December 15, 1815. 'I INFORMED you that the Guzeratte is the principal language spoken in the city of Surat, and hundreds of miles around it, especially in the North and East. We have a convenient house on the bank of the Tapee (called by the Europeans Taptee) which is as broad at Surat as the Thames is at London. The city is about 12 miles from the sea; its population is not exactly known, but it cannot be less than 300,000. Mr. Aratoon, a Baptist missionary, is in this city; but I need not say there is plenty of work for us all; were the number trebled, the Guzeratt country would not then have one teacher to some hundred thousands of its inhabitants. 'Mr. Fyvie and I long for the time when we shall be able to make known to the inhabitants of Surat and its neighbourhood, in their own tongue, the wonderful works of God. We are not at all discouraged in regard to the attainment of the language. At present we feel unwilling to say much about our future prospects or pursuits; we must, however, say that things are encouraging beyond what we expected; and we hope to spend and he spent in the service of Our Divine Master. 'Perhaps some of our missionary brethren, from the Seminary, are on their way to India, with a view to join us at Surat, or to begin another mis sion north of it, where it may be thought most advisable. 6 We have begun a school, and about 20 of the natives are learning English in it. The people seem much pleased with us; and the fears which were at first excited, are vanishing away." In another Letter, dated at Bombay, Jan. 15, 1816, after mentioning particulars respecting the alarming illness of Mr. Fyvie, and the hope then entertained of his recovery, he says, in reference to the missions in India, The Directors may be ready to think that the success of missionary labours has been greater in other parts of the world than in India, and from this consideration direct their attention more particularly to those parts; but, I would say, Be not weary, but continue to labour in populous India! I do hope, and firmly believe, that the Lord has a great and glorious work to accomplish in the Guzeratt country. You have sent us, with a view to our preaching among the nations, the unsearchable riches of Christ; and this, should life be spared, is our hearts' desire. With this object in view, together with the translation of the Scriptures, we have been labouring very diligently to attain the language of the country. Mr. Fyvie has been interrupted for a time; but I hope he will soon be able to direct his attention to the Guzeratt tongue. There is no dictionary of this language; I am therefore preparing a large vocabulary for my own use; in good health. When 1 left my fa and if health be continued, I despair mily at Malacca, on the 2d, they, tonot of being able to speak to the peo- gether with Mr. and Mrs. Thomsen, were all well. ple, even sooner than I expected.' Mrs. Fyvie, in her Letter of Jan. 24th, after mentioning some particulars of Mr. Fyvie's illness, says, My objects, with respect to the Mission in this island, I am happy to say, meet with all that encouragement I hope the Directors will not de- from the constituted authorities which lay to send more missionaries to Su- could well be expected. I have waited rat. If we hope to see much effected, on the honourable the Governor, and it is absolutely necessary that the mis- the Members of Council, who assure sion should be established on a larger me that every facility, consistent with scale. Should Mr. F. recover, he the objects of political government, will not be able to use much exertion will be afforded. I am not able as yet for some months; and should any to give the Society any information thing take place relative to Mr. Skin- about the Chinese here, having been ner's health, the work would be at a only two days on the island; but I have stand; and should this not be the reason to hope that the Chinese New case, one can do but little alone. Un- Testament and Tracts will be cordially less our number be speedily augment- received by all, except, perhaps, by those who have been prejudiced ed, I think the work will be on a very limited scale for some time, and not against them by the Roman Catholics. be likely to branch out for many years to come. If no provision be made in case of sickness and death, the mission may be in the same state four or five years hence as it was in the commencement. By the time that more missionaries can reach us, it is likely those who are here will have acquired the language, so as to be able to * His Excellency Baron Fagel, Ampreach to the natives every day, and bassador from the King of the Netherto translate the Scriptures, &c. while lands, in London, has shewn the utmost those who come after are learning the readiness to assist the Society with relanguage, they could preach in En- gard to Missionaries going to Malacca glish and teach the schools; which and Chinsurah, which are restored to would be a relief to the first mission- the Dutch, aries, and enable them to prosecute their work without interruption. If present advantages are embraced with sufficient energy, I doubt not but Surat will become an important station. 'I carnestly pray that the mission at Surat may be fully established, and perpetuated by a succession of faithful and devoted men, who will esteem it their highest honour and happiness to spend and be spent' in promoting the interest of the Redeemer's kinggon among the heathen. I am, &c. PULO PENANG; dated January 13, 1816. 1 TAKE this early opportunity of informing you, that I arrived at the Presidency of Penang on the 11th inst. Several things, relative to our Extra Ganges Missions, I mean to lay before the Hon. the Governor in Council, in hope of their affording certain facilities, which may subserve our cause, even though the political governors should be changed at Malacca and the farther East, HEATHEN CRUELTY; Mr. OR, OFFERINGS TO GUNGA. William Cary, who is at Cutwa, communicates the following account of savage offerings made to the Ganges: On the 2d of March, at the Vąroonce Festival, a large concourse of Hindoos assembled from all parts of the adjoining country, to bathe in the Ganges, at a village about two miles from Serampore. While the crowd were employed in bathing, an inhabitant of Orissa advanced to the banks of the river, leading in his hand his sop, a beautiful boy, of about six years of age. Having anointed his body with turmeric, and surrounded his temples with a garland of flowers, and clothed him in new apparel, he repeated the incantations prescribed by the Shaster; then descending into the 3B 2 river, and holding up his son in his in our power to state, that in Barbaarm, he said, "O Mother Ganges! does some of the negroes, who had this child is thine: to thee I offer it." been instructed in the knowledge of So saying, he cast the little boy into their duty, and had been taught to the river, who sunk, and rose no more. read and write, distinguished themThe crowd testified their approbation, selves by defending the property of by crying out, "Huribul!" It ap- their master against the poor ignorant pears that, several years back, the insurgents of their own colour. parent, being desirous of children, promised to offer his first-born to A young man, lately returned from the Gunga, should the goddess be propi tious to his wishes. Another man, at the same place, having performed the usual ceremo nies, to prevent the intervention of his relatives, carried his son, a lad about twelve years of age, in a boat to the middle of the stream, and there dropped him in. The child struggled for some time, and was happily discovered by some one passing, who rescued him from death. An infant was also cast into the river by its mother at the same time; but the relatives recovered it, and car ried it home. WEST INDIES. In a debate which took place in a great assembly in June last, it was asserted, that the Missionaries in the West Indies had been the occasion of the disturbances which had lately happened there; but no proof whatever was produced; and we will venture to say, no proof could be produced. On the contrary, no slaves are so orderly, or so valuable, as those which are deemed religious. West Indies, relates the following account of the behaviour of some instructed slaves, in Barbadoes, during the late insurrection there: ONE of the principal planters in the island of Barbadoes, whose veracity may safely be relied upon, assured me, that though he had suffered by the revolting negroes, he was highly gratified by stating, that not one of his own slaves was implicated; but that, on the contrary, they armed theminto the woods, and cutting long poles, selves as well as they could, by going which they sharpened to a point, and defended his property against the insurgents to the utmost of their power. This conduct of theirs he ascribes entirely to their being more enlightened than most others, both in morality and Christianity; which he had always endeavoured to inculcate. He further said, that he did not know he had one adult negro who could not read and write; and that some of them were good arithmeticians. This information the writer communicated to one of the Directors of the Missionary Society, judging, that being made public, it might have a good effect at the present moment, and be a stimulus to exertions in behalf of the poor heathen. RUSSIA. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Paterson, dated St. Petersburg, June 19, 1816, to a Director of the Mis sionary Society in London. What degree of credit such charges deserve, may be gathered from another assertion, viz. That a paper in the Christian Observer had been the means of exciting sedition. Now, it is very well known, that but very few of the negroes can read; nor did it appear that a single copy of that work had ever reached Barbadoes, the scene of the mischief. If any of the negroes have been excited to disobedience, by writ- You will be pleased to hear that ings or proceedings in England, it must his Imperial Majesty takes the most have been by the imprudent and in- lively interest in the cause of Missions flammatory representation of them in to the Mahomedans and Heathens, the West India newspapers. It also who reside in his vast empire. Having deserves remark, that the paper com- heard that Mr. Kattegary was going to plained of appeared in England only Scotland, for education as a Missionon the 1st of February; and the insurrection in Barbadoes happened on the 44th of April. We are peculiarly happy to have it ary, he desired Prince Galitzin to consult with me how he might render him any assistance. A Memorial was drawn up, in which a short account was given of his life, his connection with the Missionaries, the object he had in view, the low state of the Society's funds; and concluding with petitioning his Majesty to grant him assistance, by defraying his expences during the time he should reside in Scotland. It was then asked, How much would be requisite for this purpose? Six thousand rubles per year was the sum stated; out of which he was to pay his travelling-expences. This was immediately granted; and in a way which shewed how deep an interest he took in the cause. In this affair we have a strong proof that every thing would be done to encourage Missionaries from your Society to the Mongul Tartars, as formerly proposed. Kattegary is a Tartar Sultan, formerly a Mahomedan, now converted to the Christian faith; and who being desirous of becoming a Missionary to his countrymen, is put under the care of the Edinburgh Missionary Society for education. AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. The Third Anniversary of the Hull and East Riding Auxiliary Missionary Society, was held in Hull, July 17, 18, and 19; when sermons were preached by Mr. James, of Birmingham, Mr. G. Clayton, of Walworth, and Mr. C. F. Ramftier, of Fulnech, one of the minis ters of "The United Brethren." The meeting for business was held on Thurs. morn. the 18th. Mr Alderm. Eggington in the chair. The Report of the committee stated the receipts of this Auxiliary Society during the past year (including the sum raised by the Hull Ju venile Society) to amount to 6047. 3s. 3d. Several animated addresses were deli vered by Rev. Messrs. Clayton, James, Ramftler, A. Kidd, Morley, Methurst, &c. - The Lord's Supper was administered to communicants of various denominations; at which the Rev. G. Clayton presided. During the service, the communicants, and a great number of spectators, were addressed by different ministers. Sermons were also preached for the benefit of the Society, on the following Sabbath; and Monday evening by Messrs. Clayton and James, at Bethel Chapel (new Methodist connection) and Ebenezer Chapel, Hull, Cottingham, and Beverley. The attendance on all these occasions was very large, and the discourses peculiarly appropriate and impressive. From the fervour which appeared to pervade the devotional parts of the services, and the very libe ral contributions of the people, it was joyful to perceive how little the distressing circumstances of the times had been able to check the flame of holy zeal in this great and best of causes. The amount of collections at Hull, 1611. 16s. 10d.; Beverley, 25l. 7s. 6d. ; Cottingham, 147. Total, 2017. 4s. 4d. Tues. July 16, was held the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Hull Juvenile Auxiliary Missionary Society. Mr. W. Rust in the chair. The Report was read by Mr. Briggs, the Sec. which stated the sum raised by small weekly subscriptions, in the course of the year, to be 1441. 10s. 6d. The very large as sembly of young persons collected on this interesting occasion was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Ramftler, Browne, nile friends by E. Bowden, J. Jefferson, Birt, Waterhouse, Cross; and the juveW. Bowden, J. S. Shipham, &c. Mond. aft. the 22d, the First Annual Meeting of the Beverley Juvenile Auxiliary Missionary Society was held at Beverly, the Rev. J. Morley in the chair. Several excellent addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. James, Kidd, Sprey, Browne, and Messrs King, E. Bowden, W. Briggs, &c. The amount of receipts during the year, as stated by the Rev. J. Mather, was 481. 7s. 4d. An Wed. morn. the 24th, the First Annual Meeting of the City of Lincoln Auxiliary Missionary Society, was held at Lincoln. Mr. W. Rust. of Hull, in the chair. account of the receipts of the year, amounting to 641. was delivered to the Meeting, with an interesting report of the proceedings of the Parent Society, by the Rev. G. Browne, of Hull. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Gilbert, Classical Tutor, Rotherham, James, Keyworth, Gladstone, Jones, Brown, Mr. E. Bowden, &c. Sermons were preached on the same evening by Mr. James; and on the preceding evening, by Mr. Gilbert. The services were very fully and respectably attended, and 431. collected. Devonshire Auxiliary Missionary Society. In consequence of the recommendation of the Devonshire Association, a meeting was held at Teignmouth, Thurs. June 20, for the Formation of an Auxiliary Missionary Society for the county of Devon; when it was unanimously agreed that a Society in aid of the Missionary Society, instituted in London in 1795, be now formed. Its affairs to be managed by a committee of six ministers and six laymen, who, with a Treasurer and Secretary, are to be annually chosen. Annual meetings to be held at such places as the committee may ap point, on the Wednesday in Easter week. The first general meeting is expected to be held at Ashburton. Rev. J. Turnbull, Secretary. Tues. July 23d, a meeting of the inhabitants of Enfield and the neighbouring parishes was called, by public advertisement, to consider the propriety of forming an Auxiliary Missionary Society, in aid of the Missionary Society, instituted in London in 1795. An assembly, very respectable, though not very numerous, met at the AssemblyRoom, King's Head, Enfield, when Wm. Radley, Esq. was called to the chair; after which, and the object of the meeting had been formally explained, the Rev. G. Burder went into a simple and luminous detail of the design and operations of the Missionary Society, and was followed by the Rev. Messrs. Vowles, of Edmonton; Knight, of Pondersend; Brown, of Enfield; Lloyd, of Southgate; and Thomas, of Enfield. The resolution for the Formation of a Society, to be denominated "The North Middlesex and South Herts Auxiliary Missionary Society," was carried with expressions of unanimous joy and pleasure; and at the close of the meeting subscriptions and donations were ceived. Wm. Radley, Esq. of Highfield re House, was elected Treasurer; and the Rev. Wm. Thomas, of Enfield, Secretary. It is pleasing to add, that Mr. Markham, the master of the King's Head, very handsomely refused to accept of any gratuity for the use of the Assembly Room, saying, that such was the importance of the object for which it was occupied, that he had heart-felt pleasure in opening its doors on that occasion. Aug. 21. An Auxiliary Missionary Society was formed in the congregation of the Rev. Mr. Stollery, Chapel Street, Soho. BAPTIST MISSIONS. [Continued from our last, p. 313.] MISSIONARY STATIONS. 8. At Calcutta the scene of action is now become very wide, and employs many labourers. [Mr. Lawson and Mr. E. Carey have been lately settled as resident pastors of this church.] On the Lord's Day there is divine worship four times in the chapel: At eight, in Bengalee, generally by Sebukrama, when such of the members attend as understand Bengalce better than English, together with such as are enquiring after the truth; at ten, divine worship begins in English, when the congregation amounts to between 2 and 300, which, for an English congregation at Calcutta, is esteemed large, and such it appears to us, who, in the beginning, preached there for a year to no more than ten; at four in the afternoon, there is preaching again in Bengalee, either by Petruse or by one of the brethren from Serampore; in English, when the congregation is and at seven, there is preaching again generally larger than in the morning. Besides these services at the chapel, there is preaching at the gaol at seven on the Lord's Day morning; and in the Port at six in the evening, where the Colonel of his Majesty's 66th regi ment has been pleased to allot a large room in the barracks for that purpose; and where those soldiers, who cannot attend at the chapel in the morning, have an opportunity of hearing the Word, as well as their wives and children, The labours of the native Christians, among the natives in Calcutta, is by no means in vain. Multitudes now hear, read, and converse respecting the Scriptures, who were formerly ignorant of them. The conduct of Se bukrama particularly, who resides chiefly in his native village, Salkee, opposite Calcutta, seems to attract increasing respect, We hear that scarcely a week passes wherein he is not visited by 10 or 20 persons, some to enquire respecting this new way,' and others to consult him upon other subjects; and he has often the satisfaction of hearing neighbours, who have no love to the gospel, bless him for the change wrought in the conduct of their sons and other relatives, by his affectionate and wise advice. On one occasion this year he was visited by nearly 300 persons at once, chiefly fishermen, from a town about 30 miles distant; who having received a book they could not fully understand, came to him to have it explained to them, This proved to be a copy of the Scriptures given them by some one in a journey up the river. Sebukrama courteously received them, and discoursed with them great part of three days, which was the extent of their visit. The effect of this visit must be left for time to discover. Such then are the fruits which the gospel brings forth, when cordially received, even by heathens! The number baptized this year at Calcutta, including Eropeans and Natives, amounts to 64, |