MISSIONARY CHRONICLE FOR AUGUST, 1826. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. SUBSCRIPTIONS and DONATIONS in aid of the Funds of this Society will be thankfully received by the Treasurer or Secretaries, at the Mission-House, Austin Friars, London; in Edinburgh, by Mr. Geo. Yule; and in Glasgow, by Mr. William M'Gavin. EAST INDIES. CALCUTTA. Extracts of a Letter from Rev. S. Trawin, Kidderpore, 28th of January, 1826. · MRS. WARDEN left us on the 18th inst. with her little boy. She is gone, with the unanimous approbation of the brethren, to Berhampore, in order to co-operate with Mrs. Hill in the superintendance of native female schools. As considerable exertions are now making in Calcutta and its environs for native female education, Moorshedebad appeared to us not only the largest, but most uncultivated field in Bengal, relative to that department of missionary labour; Mr. Ray has likewise joined Mr. Hill at this important station, where things, though in a state of infancy, are progressive. Our families are, through mercy, tolerably well; Mr. and Miss Piffard are going on most delightfully in their benevolent labours. Miss Piffard has already four schools. Mr. Piffard has two, and school rooms are preparing for others. On last Friday, we opened a bungalow at the village of Rammakalechoke. It was crowded both parts of the day. Many came from distant villages. Whilst we were speaking to a crowded and deeply interested auditory, Miss P. and Mrs. T. had at least fifty females collected in a native Christian's house, to whom they read and explained the third chapter of John's Gospel. There seems to be an awakening among the inhabitants of the place. The native Christians hold fast the profession of their faith, and some others now stand as candidates for baptism. We hope soon to send a further account of this interesting village. In the meantime, I enclose a few extracts from my journal, from which you will perceive that there is an evident appearance of God's blessing descending upon the places around the station, VOL. IV. Extracts from the Journal of Mr. Trawin. Nov. 18, 1825. Ramnarayon, a man who has been notorious for his wickedness in Kidderpore, attended our meeting for reading the Scriptures and prayer. He professes to be extremely sorry for his past wicked conduct, and promises to lead a new life. May God enable him to keep his purpose, and give him grace to walk in the ways of holiness. 20. This morning, Ramnarayon came to Ramhurree to his house, to read the Scriptures and engage in prayer; observing that his family stood in need of instruction as well as himself. He was present again at the evening service, and says that, in future, he will be regular in his attendance at Chapel. After preaching, I entered into conversation with him, and was much gratified to see his apparent penitence. He calls himself the chief of sinners, freely confesses the enormities of his past life, and seems anxious to know how such a gross offender as he is can obtain pardon. I explained to him the conduct of the prodigal son; and told him the parable was designed to point out the state of man in general, and the compassion of God in receiving penitent offenders. He listened with great attention, and I hope obtained both instruction and comfort. Paul's account of the idolatrous Corinthians, gave me much encouragement to hope for the conversion of this poor man: especially these words, "such were some of ye." The grace of God can doubtless produce the same glorious effects in Bengal that it did in Corinth. I will, therefore, in regard to this poor outcast, as well as in regard to thousands of others, hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy; and with our God their is plenteous redemption. 21. Ramnarayon was present at the Bengalee worship at Bhawbanypore; on the succeeding day at Kidderpore, and on the 23rd he spent the evening with Ramburree until 11 p.m. in reading the Scriptures, conversation, and prayer, All this looks like 2 M pressing into the kingdom. Time, however, alone will prove, whether he is receiving the engrafted word, or whether his goodness is like the early dew which soon passeth away. we 25. After conversing with the people at the village of Thakerpore, many of the inhabitants entreated us to open a school there, that their children might be taught to read. "For want of instruction (observed the poor people) the villagers are like wild buffaloes of the forest." Some said, have bodily eyes it is true, but we are blind. If you, sir, will come and instruct us, it will be giving sight to the blind." Here was an instance of the people crying after knowledge and lifting up their voice for understanding. From Thackerpore we passed over in a canoe to Rammakalchoke. By the way we conversed with the Manghee. Ramhurree gently reproved him because he had scoffed at him whilst preaching in the village about a fortnight before. The man said, that he had done it through ignorance, that the religion of Christ was new in the country, and that its introduction would be sure to excite opposition at first, before the people knew what it meant. "When it is known," observed the Manghee," it will be acknowledged to be the true religion, and be embraced by all." After arriving at the house of Ramghee, one of the native Christians of Rammakalchoke, the people flocked together to hear the word. The house was well filled on the occasion with the men of the village, whilst about thirty females were stationed in and about the entrance of our temporary chapel. Six of these females were wives or daughters of Brahmins. This sight was peculiarly gratifying. What an important boundary towards emancipation must these injured females have passed before they could adventure themselves within the enclosure of a native Christian's house, where every thing is considered to the last degree unclean. In the midst of the service, a very old woman was led into the assembly. After seating herself near me, in the front of the congregation, she complained that her son had lost his caste by becoming a Christian. The peace of the family (observed the old woman) is now destroyed; as there can never more be any mutual intercourse between Pereetram and the other members of it. We told her, that her son, by becoming a Christian, had secured his future happiness, and therefore, had acted a most wise part. Moreover, it was observed, that Pereetram's conduct would now be quite altered from what it had been; that it was the very design of the religion of Christ, to make people holy and happy, and that her son's becoming a Christian, would be a blessing to the family and neighbourhood at large. The poor old woman was then entreated to lay aside the unnatural persecution of her son, and attend herself without delay to the salvation of her soul. She said, she wanted to know nothing about the future world, all her concern was in this; and then departed. We afterwards preached to and conversed with a deeply interested congregation until about 2 p. m. We next made choice of a spot of ground for a school at Bungalore; gave orders for its erection, and then took our departure, amidst the the cheerful smiles of the native Christians, and the apparent good wishes of many others. It is cheering to see these native converts standing fast in the faith, quitting themselves like men, and bearing the brunt of persecution with something of the fortitude of the primitive Christians. 27. A large and attentive congregation at Chitlah. 28. Spent the morning in conversation with the native Christians. They seem anxious to grow in grace, that they may adorn the doctrine of their Saviour in all things. 29. Kidderpore.-At the close of the service, Gorachurrund, a man who has long been acquainted with the Scriptures, entered the chapel. As he had not been present for some time before, I inquired of him the reason of his absence. He replied, that he had been attending to various temporal concerns, which had swallowed up all his time. On further conversation, he acknowledged his folly in allowing the affairs of time so to engross his attention. The principal reason, however, he observed, was a want of spiritual appetite. "If a man be sick, Gorachurun, he has no desire for food until his sickness be removed; thus it is with us; sin is a sickness, and until it be removed, there is no appetite for spiritual things." 30. Preached at Chitlah.-Being marketday, many heard the word who had come from a distance. From the school at Bungalore, we proceeded to the market-place. Thousands of people were there gathered together for the purposes of merchandise. We, however, obtained a goodly number to listen to concerns of much higher moment. At this place of concourse, a person might stand from eight in the morning until six in the evening, and have a fresh congregation every hour. Such is the crowd of people that constantly pass to and from the market, that, had we bodily strength, we might continue our speech to them from sunrise to sunset. Ramburree had much evangelical truth in his sermon, and spoke with considerable pathos. The people were evidently much interested in what he said. One poor man, feeling the word, said, "What he says is true indeed; but as for myself, I am afraid it will never be well with me, for I was born under an evil destiny." We told bim, that was a mistake; that there was no impediment in the way of his salvation, for Christ came to save the chief of sinners. Dec. 1. Beallah.-Observing this morning in the midst of the congregation a Brahmin paying more than ordinary attention to the word, we asked him, at the close of our address, what provision he had made for eternity, seeing he must soon die. He replied, with an air of indifference, "God is ;" meaning, that the Lord only could adjust such concerns,-it was not for him to trouble himself about them. Such was the criminal indifference of this spiritual guide to things of infinite importance; and all we could say was not sufficient to induce him to reject his favourite sentiment, that because God is, therefore he, himself, had nothing to do with affairs relating to the future world. In examining the school, we had the pleasure to see two Brahmins reading with the first class in the Gospel of John. Surely these blessed words of eternal life will chase away the gross darkness that covers the people, "Come thou long-expected Jesus, 11 A.M. Spent the remaining part of the forenoon with the schoolmasters in reading the Scriptures, &c. This pleasing weekly exercise has now been tried for more than twelve months, and the fruit of it has abounded unto many. Some of the teachers can now not only read with much greater propriety than they could, but even recite and explain with very tolerable propriety most of the chapters of Matthew and John. Their orthographical knowledge, &c. &c. has likewise very considerably increased. They seem generally pleased with the exercise, and are seldom absent. Afternoon. One of the school-boys came to me to repeat a part of the Gospel of Matthew. He has committed the whole to memory, and is going over it a second time, in order to be thoroughly acquainted with its contents. He is a youth of very promising gifts, and knows much of the Old and New Testaments. 3. A man interrupted us whilst addressing the people at Chitlah, by avowing that God was the author of sin. It is awful to behold how daringly some of the Hindoos charge their crimes upon God. This poor idolater affirmed, that God was the author of all evil, with as steady and unblushing a countenance, as though he had been uttering a truth of the last importance. Oh, happy churches in Britain! where such horrid blasphemies are never heard to proceed from the lips of sinful mortals. The man, however, after hearing a few obvious reasons against his monstrous sentiment, confessed that he was wrong in saying that God was the author of sin, 7. Chitlah.-After catechising the boys, and preaching in the school-bungalow, we proceeded to our old station at the marketplace. We spoke to the multitudes, first from John xiv. 6. I am the way, &c., and from chap. x. 9. I am the door, &c. From these heavenly words we pointed out the various false ways that idolaters, and others, are taking to secure the favour of God; and then showed that they all lead to perdition. Several individuals assented to our statements. The second part of our duty was more pleasant. It was to preach Christ, and him crucified as the way, the truth, and the life. Here several asked the important question-What they should do to obtain deliverance from their sins? The apostolic direction, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," was addressed to them all. The people seemed much disposed to hear, and to ask questions; and we were gratified in no small measure to hear from the lips of more than one the all-important inquiry-"What must I do to be saved?" Spent the evening in religious conference with the native Christians. They were seven in number; four from Rammakalechoke, and three of Kidderpore. One only with deep attention whilst I spoke to them of our little flock was absent. They listened life, upon the consideration that their peron the great importance of their living a holy sonal salvation not only depended on it, but, in a great measure, the spread of the gospel among their deluded countrymen. At the close of the meeting, Ramghee observed, that before he had heard the words of Christ, he was both blind and stupid, but now he began to see and to feel. "In order to obtain salvation by penance," continued Ramghee, "I lived a whole month upon the leaves of the neem tree, and slept all the time upon a bed of grass; and other austerities I practised, but all in vain. I think, however, I can now say, I have found salvation in Christ." Oh, what a deliverance does the gospel bring to a poor idolatrous Hindoo! Chained by his caste, separated from men of other nations by a thousand peculiarities, and bound by the strong bands of a popular superstition, how sensibly does he feel his shackles fall off when Jesus sets him free. The gospel gains no ordinary triumph when it surmounts these apparently insuperable obstacles. 8. This evening one of the Mysore princes and his suite stopped at the entrance of the horses whilst we preached the gospel of chapel at Bhawbanypore. They sat on their Christ to the people for about half an hour. It is cheering to think, however distant the period may be, that the time will come, when all kings shall fall down before Him, and all nations shall serve him. (To be continued.)“ MADRAS. Extract from the Journal of the Rev. Wm. Taylor, Missionary at Madras. June 28, 1825.-In the morning, visited the Native Mission Schools at Peria Moutla, Chindatrepettah, Triplicane, Conalasavera, Kovil, &c., in all a circuit of about 10 miles. At Chindatrepettah and Conalasavera, I gave away several tracts, under encouraging circumstances. Whilst at Chindatrepettah, I was struck with the spectacle of two women working like slaves with sledge hammers at a blacksmith's forge, while a man was seated at his ease, turning the iron. But such things are not uncommon here. In the afternoon, a Roman Catholic, formerly a pupil of the French Jesuits at Pondicherry,called upon me, when we entered into discussions on the following topics:The doctrine of St. John, respecting the Logos, which he affimed was taken from Plato; the reading of the Scriptures, and the alleged Protestant corruptions; the antiquity of the Romish Church; predictions concerning the Anti-christian apostacy; assumed lawfulness of killing beretics; the power of the Pope's dispensation to annul Divine commands, &c. &c. He at length became impatient, and showed signs of irritation, and begged leave to withdraw; to which I consented, apologizing, both on the ground of truth and duty, if I had spoken too freely. He stated at the outset, that he had been consulting his priests, who, perhaps, furnished him with arguments, but they were very superficial. Visit to the Country Schools. July 25.- Having made arrangements for a short visit to the Country Schools, I set off early in the morning, being favoured with cloudy, and in consequence of the rain, cool weather. Preached at Conatoor (distant 15 miles). Examined the children in their scripture lessons and catechisms, and found cause to reprove the master for inattention. The catechist examined the books of accounts and grammar; and gave an address to the children on the beginning of the Lord's Prayer. Several people gathered around, who heard attentively. The tract, entitled "The Way to Heavenly Bliss" was afterwards read to them. Their attention seemed to me remarkable, from its patient continuance, but there was, nevertheless, apparently, a great deal of apathy. Several tracts were given, but some persons refused to take them. Proceeded to another village. On the way, passed a soldier, going to Trippasore, to whom I gave English tracts for the invalids at that place. Preached at Naimum about night-fall, and slept at the door of the school, Tuesday, 26th.-At nine in the morning commenced the examination of the children. Much pleased with their readiness and proficiency; gave the master the credit he deserved. The catechist afterwards addressed the children on the First Commandment, and excited much attention by exposing some of the arts of the Brahmins on the subject of idolatry. I could not but cherish the hope that they would cease to respect idols. A few villagers heard, but apparently with indifference. This is a very simple and rustic place, in one of the early stages of civilization, the inhabitants living entirely by the cultivation of the earth. The day happening to be a little cloudy, I set forward at 2 P. M., and, in an hour or two, came to Tirunind'roor, a large and populous village, where it was needful to stay for the night. I took up my abode in a large Mundabum, or porch, immediately facing a considerable Vishnu, or Perumal temple; and the place appeared, from its mythological carvings, to be used for the idol in processions. The village appeared to me most idolatrous and dreary. Seeing the doors open, I walked towards the large gateway of the Pagoda; but an old Brahmin, who, from withis, perceived my approach, came hastily forward, and began to close them. Shortly after he came out, and I endeavoured to enter into conversation with him, by asking, why he was afraid? but he passed on, and made me no reply. About an hour afterwards another Brahmin passed in front of the porch, and, after stopping awhile to consider, came back, and made a few common-place inquiries; after replying to which, I put two tracts into his hands-"The Doctrine of the Soul," and "The New Birth." He looked at them for a moment, and then asked me to give him some more. I did so; and he said "It is enough, I will give these to my friends." Encouraged hereby, I took a copy of one of the Gospels, and asked him if he would receive it? "Oh, yes!" he replied: "but will you read it, and lend it to others?" He replied, he would; and, it being perhaps the first portion of Scripture ever given here (though tracts have been before distributed), I rejoiced to put it into his hand. He now went over to his own house; and I saw him call several persons around him. One of these whom he called from a distance came to me, and asked me if I could not give him books; I put two or three tracts into his hands. He asked if I had not another? (meaning the Scripture)—I found he was a writer in the Talook-dar's Court, and appearing intelligent and desirous of getting a copy, I gave him one, charging him to show it to others, and to interchange with the former Brahmin, this being a different portion of Scripture. After this, many persons came professing to pay their respects, to all of whom I gave tracts. Some inquired if I gave them away for nothing. I replied I should be satisfied if they read them atten.. tively. One man, after receiving some tracts, was very earnest in asking for a Gospel. Having just before refused a person, I was about to do the same again; but as he became very importunate and I found he could read, I gave him a copy. I told him there would be preaching; and desired him to come and bring his neigh. bours with him. Several people assembled, and when lights were prepared, the service was commenced. The last mentioned man, to whom I had given the Gospel, said he would come and hear, if he might be allowed to ask questions, which was granted. The catechist now proceeded to preach relative to to the Fall of Man; but the Hindoo man interrupted him at every sentence with a question. I told him it would be best to hear awhile patiently; and then his objections would be attended to in order. To this proposition he readily assented. I then myself took up the discourse, and observed, that laying aside all discussions about the Fall, it was evident, as a matter of fact, that all men were sinners, and had perverted their ways; and I appealed to his conscience whether this was not the truth? The first chap. of the Romans was then read; and at the close I asked him if the description accorded with the state of his own country, and of this town, or not? He was embarrassed and unable to reply. I then asked him if he thought God was holy? He allowed it. I inquired how then man, being unholy and a sinner, could find acceptance and pardon from a God of spotless holiness; and after alluding to the vain efforts of some of his Countrymen to solve this question, I informed him that our Scriptures made the way of pardon and acceptance plain; that Jesus Christ came down from heaven, suffered on the cross, died for our sins, brought us nigh to God; that he was now ascended on high, and had promised to give his Holy Spirit, to change the sinful heart, and implant holiness of nature, carrying with it, of course, a hatred of sin, and that this heavenly gift was promised to those who asked it. The man interrupted me to say, that the way of salvation I spoke of, and that by Seeva, was nearly the same. I inquired how that could be, for, according to their own books, the life of Seeva was of a character to bring on him the judgment of God, and sink him to perdition, Brahma, Vishnu, and Seeva, are represented as quarrelling and fighting with each other, and their lives were stained with impu rity; whereas Jesus Christ was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. Speaking of the necessity of repentance, the parable of the Prodigal Son was read to him; and he was told he should thus return to God, with penitence, and should seek for pardon through faith in Jesus Christ. In conclusion, I read the parable of the Sower, in Matt. xiii.; and, after a few remarks, warned him, and them who were around, not to let the wicked one take away from them what they had heard, and advised them to pray to God for his Holy Spirit. These observations I made partly myself, and partly with the assistance of an interpreter. I was rather surprised to find the man silent and overcome, though he had been at first noisy, and prompt in objection. He, indeed, exhibited symptoms of inward conviction. There were 15 or 20 other Hindoos present, who made no remarks. At 9 o'clock, a procession began in the pagoda opposite. I walked over the way and stood at a distance from the gateway; a man passing, invited me to enter, which I declined at the same time feeling a degree of surprise at the contrast between his behaviour and that of the Brahmin in the afternoon. Shortly after, the procession halted for some minutes just opposite the gateway. I felt deep commisseration and concern to see intelligent creatures making such empty parade with an idol, which, in their hearts, they probably cared nothing about. With prayer for them, as well as for myself, I returned to rest, and just at midnight, was awoke by some impudent fellows, beating two or three large tom-toms (or drums) excessively loud, close to the porch where I was sleeping. I drove them off; but they marched away very com. posedly, and went all round the village, making, for half an hour, the most disagreeable noise possible. Except from a mis. chievous disposition, I could not account for such an unseasonable interruption. Wednesday, 27th July-Rose early, and at sunrise set forward. The Hindoo, who had received a Gospel, and had taken part in the discussion the preceding evening, came from his house to wish me good morning and a prosperous journey. After passing an open country, and some other small villages, reached Bellachery at 8 o'clock. The school being in a very small low building, and there being no choultry, I halted in a tope, or grove of trees, and after taking a little breakfast, as well as it could be prepared, proceeded to examine the children. Found this school in a much less satisfactory state than that at Naimum. Several heathens attended the examination, to some of whom I spoke in particular, and gave them tracts. One man told me that what I was doing was the sure way to go to heaven; which gave me an opportunity to state, on what merits and foundation a Christian expects to go heaven (viz. the blood and righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ), at the same time explaining to him how imperfect all those duties are, on which heathens depend for salvation, I was much importuned to establish another school in |