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SAUGOR, CENTRAL INDIA.

By letters from Agra, which came to hand three months ago, the Committee were informed of a missionary tour which Mr. Phillips and Mr. Dannenberg had made to this place, the expenses being defrayed by an excellent friend residing there, and who had offered a contribution of 600 rupees (about £60) per annum towards the support of a missionary at Saugor, besides other sums for missionary objects. On their return, the matter was deliberately discussed, and the brethren in Calcutta were consulted, and the result was, that it was felt to be expedient that Mr. Makepeace should proceed to that place, which is at the distance of 275 miles from Agra. A letter has now been received from Mr. MAKEPEACE, dated Saugor, 23rd November, stating that he had set out on the 16th of the previous month, the benevolent friend referred to having remitted funds for the conveyance of his family, &c.; that he considered the arrangement as for twelve months, leaving the question of this becoming permanently his station to be decided by the appearance of usefulness it presented. He proceeds to say,

Our journey hither was, on the whole, very agreeable, though not very favourable to preaching among the heathen. Soon after we left Agra I was attacked by fever, which was succeeded by such a hoarseness as thoroughly to unfit me for duty. I have, however, two very pleasing incidents to record. At a place called Khié a venerable old man visited our tent after nightfall, presenting me with a letter of introduction from our friend brother Rae, from which I found that though once a Mussulman, he was now a sincere and humble disciple of the Lord Jesus. He is private instructor to his highness the raja of Tehri. It appeared from his conversation with me, that he had long been an anxious inquirer. He had read much, "searching diligently" into the Mahomedan and Hindu systems of belief for the means of pardon and peace, but after toiling through a long night of darkness and distress, he found none. Last year, however, he visited our brethren when halting at Tehri, and received from Bernard (brother Phillips' agent) a copy of one of the Rev. G. P. Pfander's works, and he procured also a copy of the four gospels. By reading these he found that there was no salvation but in Christ. Brother Phillips recommended him to go to Saugor for advice, which he did, and gave full proof that the root of the matter was in him. He has already introduced the gospels into the palace, having read in the hearing of the raja five chapters of Matthew's gospel. He will probably visit Saugor in the course of a few days for further instruction, and perhaps baptism. I mentioned his case to brother Williams in a letter I wrote shortly after my arrival, and his opinion, which I give, is in perfect accordance with my own. He writes, "It strikes me that the Mussulman of whom you speak may, with some training, prove useful to you in the great work of preaching." He may be of great use indeed, in silencing and subduing his benighted brethren, for having examined so closely and intensely

their religious books, and compared them with some of ours, he must be pretty well acquainted with the arguments against their system and in favour of Christianity. He is very much esteemed by the friends who know him in Saugor.

Mrs.

There is another pleasing occurrence to which I may refer. When halting one morning at a village while Mrs. Makepeace's bearers went to Riahunta, a buneya (a shopkeeper) accosted me, opening at the same time one of the gospels, and pointing to the following passage, inquired the meaning of our Saviour's words when he declared, "I am in the Father, and the Father in me." Makepeace said she felt as though she would have stopped at the village the whole day, so that the poor inquirer might be instructed more thoroughly, and the real state of his mind after the perusal of the gospel be ascertained. Thus much has come to light in relation to the result of the brethren's labours last cold weather, and who can tell to what extent the leaven of divine truth has already operated? Surely it was an interesting and heartstirring thing to be solicited thus by a simple villager in the midst of a dark and benighted population.

Saugor as a station.

Regarding Saugor itself, I regard it as a fine sphere for missionary operations. Thousands upon thousands crowd its territories and those of the Nerbudda, and yet there is not a solitary messenger of the cross to proclaim in their hearing all the words of this life." The climate is exceedingly favourable to missionary operations, being much cooler than that of most of our stations. I hope by next mail to be able to prepare a detailed statistical account of the station and surrounding district. At present appearances are cheering, and there are baptisms in prospect, and if the state of my health be allowed to weigh, you could not do better perhaps than fix me at

Saugor, in accordance with the wish of my brethren. Before I left Agra I was, in consequence of my last severe attack, in a very emaciated and pitiable state. Friends at Agra, though sorry to part with us, yet thought that the trip might prove beneficial to me and Mrs. Makepeace, who had also been suffering. You will be glad to hear that we are now in the enjoyment of excellent health. One of

my servants is apparently beginning to walk in the right way. Before leaving Agra a sermon which I preached on a baptismal occasion was blessed to a young lady in the congregation, who decided upon making a public avowal of her faith in Christ. I send a copy of the Report of the Benevolent Institution, from which you will see we have been well supported.

AGRA BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.

The Committee advert with pleasure to the Report transmitted by Mr. MAKEPEACE, who had filled the office of cash and corresponding secretary to the time of his removal to Saugor, by which it appears that donations had been received from Europeans resident in the neighbourhood to the amount of 3553 rupees, and subscriptions to that of 139 rupees; that a commodious building had been erected, and that during the year forty children of both sexes had been admitted to the privileges of the Institution.

ADDITIONS TO VARIOUS CHURCHES.

We extract from the Oriental Baptist for December last the following interesting facts.

Calcutta. On the first sabbath in November the ordinance of baptism was administered in three of the chapels in Calcutta. At the Circular Road Chapel four believers were immersed in the name of the divine Three. One of them had for a considerable time been a member of the church meeting in Union Chapel, another had been a member of the Wesleyan body, the other two are young men of the East Indian community. While these were thus professing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, two persons were making a similar profession in the Native Chapel in South Kalinga Street. They were baptized by

our native brother, Shujaatali. About the same hour another native convert was in the same manner avowing his faith in Christ in the Native Chapel in Intally. He also was baptized by a native brother.

Dinajpur. Two brethren belonging to her majesty's 80th regiment were baptized here on the 13th October.

Mr. Smylie writes that he baptized two young females on the 12th November. They were formerly scholars in Mrs. Smylie's school.

Jessore. At this station Mr. Parry baptized another convert, over whom he hopes he will long have to rejoice.

AFRICA.

CLARENCE.

In a letter from Mr. SAKER, dated 20th October, he communicates the following pleasing intelligence.

We are, through mercy, spared to continue the members give us real joy by the earnestour labours here. Our health has been re- ness of their spirit and their efforts to be markably good for many weeks, and we have useful. Our classes and schools continue to not been called to relinquish aught of our be well attended, and the two additional tasks. Our sabbath services continue, and we classes we have formed since the Doctor's believe not without evident manifestations of departure, promise well. They add to our God's presence. There are many seriously work, but we willingly engage in it in the hope inquiring the way to heaven, and many among of qualifying the children to be teachers among

the heathen, should it please God to endue them with his Spirit.

We have recently effected a great improvement in our meeting house, introducing new backed benches instead of the common ones, now nearly all decayed or damaged. To make the expense of this as easy as possible, the friends have provided each man his own

bench, and of the other improvements, platform, new jalousies, &c., costing £17, Mr. Lynslager has given £5, and the people propose raising the remainder. We want a new bible for the pulpit, for our present is much damaged and deficient. Perhaps some friend will supply us with one.

BIMBIA.

A letter has been received from Mr. MERRICK, dated the 24th of October, giving the following account of the state of things at that station.

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consequence was the murder of two innocent
persons. I heard of Dick's determination too
Dickola the poor old woman was a corpse,
late to arrest the evil. When I arrived at
was cut down before he died, and his skull
and lay shrouded in her house. The man
broken and arms mangled in a most barbarous
manner. I met him breathing strong, and
offered to take him away, but they would not
listen to me.
When I ordered some water to

be put on the fire in order to endeavour to
resuscitate him, they broke the pot, and

King William has lately made a law to prohibit sabbath-breaking, since which time our Lord's day morning services have gene-ordered his grave to be dug as quickly as rally been well attended.

Hopeful appearances.

Moindu is a real Christian, and my old interpreter and his wife, if not real Christians, are inquiring the way to Zion with a steady. determined will. I cannot say that Moindu's, husband is converted, but he comes regularly for instruction, and wishes to know the truth. A woman, called Dinningge, is also a sincere inquirer, and comes regularly for private instruction. Another female, called Inboti, comes with the other inquirers for instruction, and is, I think, awakened, but not yet convinced of sin. She was with me this morning. I did all I could to rouse her conscience. All these meet together in each other's houses, from day to day, for social prayer. A few days ago I met them, by appointment, at Moindu's house, and there spent a pleasant season in prayer with them. For the first time I heard Moindu pray, and was delighted with the manner in which she expressed her dependence on the atoning merits of Christ. May she be faithful unto death! Pray for her, dear brother.

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possible. Next day I learned that the poor fellow was actually buried alive. Only a few into a treaty with the queen of England, months ago this same Dick Merchant entered through Captain Eden, of H. M. frigate Amphitrite, never again to offer human sacri.

fices.

Renewal of war.

Not satisfied with having imbrued his hand in the blood of two of his own people, Dick Merchant left his town a few days ago with a large body of men to make war with an inland chief called Mofe-mo-kema, on account of a canoe. King William sent off two large canoes filled with men to Mofe's assistance. We must begin to pray more earnestly than we have yet done, "Have respect unto thy covenant, O Lord, for the dark places of the earth are filled with the habitations of cruelty." I am glad that our schoolroom at Dick Merchant's town is nearly finished, and that we shall soon be able to carry on more vigorous operations there than we have yet done. Nothing but the gospel will reform the nations. May

the Lord make us wise to win souls to Christ. Want of assistance.

Before you receive this our brother Newbegin will, I think, be on his way to Africa; should it not be so, and you meet him any where, kindly beg him to come speedily. I do hope our Committee will send out a few humble, devoted missionaries to carry on the work; if not, the mission, humanly speaking, must soon sink. Take up this matter, dear brother, and give it the prominence which it demands.

A further letter has been received from Mr. MERRICK, dated November 1, 1848, from which we have pleasure in taking the following extract.

The Lord has begun to work among us. Two, if not four, are hopefully converted, and two others are inquiring the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. A young girl called Inangge, the sister of King William's eldest son, and who is betrothed to King Bell of Cameroons, is awakened, and comes not only to chapel, but for private instruction. She was with me yesterday, and said she does not wish to go to Cameroons to become Bell's wife, for she plainly sees that all her country practices are offensive to God. She is very attentive under the word, and will, I hope, yet cast in her lot among the people of God. May the Lord guide and direct her. King William is very favourable, and has lately made a law to prevent sabbath-breaking among his people.

that the clothing which they kindly sent, has been received, and partly distributed and sold? Should the Bow friends think of Africa again, kindly say to them that men's and boys' shirts of common cloth, but strong, and common pantaloons, made of any strong unexpensive cloth, as well as large women's garments tastefully made, would be very acceptable. The women's garments should, for the most part, be made like a lady's nightgown, with a cape and long sleeves. They don't like short sleeves.

If you hear any friends asking what would be useful at our station, please say that Brazilian straw hats would be highly acceptable. Our St. Alban's friends sent a fine supply, and the first day I opened the box the greater part went off. I suppose if I had one hundred Will you kindly inform the friends at Bowmore they would be sold with ease.

AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSION.

MAULMAIN.

We are persuaded our friends will read with interest the following extract from a letter addressed by the Rev. T. SIMONS, to the editor of the Calcutta "Oriental Baptist."

It affords me pleasure to give you information of additions made to the English baptist church here. On the 8th inst. (November) Miss P., sister of Mr. E. P., was baptized in the river Salwen by the Rev. H. Howard. Last Lord's day, early in the morning, eight young converts, five females and three males, were also baptized in the same place by Mr. Howard, assisted by Mr. Stevens, the father of one of the candidates, an interesting youth nearly ten years of age. He had given evidence of his interest in the Saviour for some time, but was not encouraged to ask for baptism on account of his age.

We hope others are near the kingdom, and will soon come forward to tell of the good things the Lord has done for them. Most of

the candidates recently baptized are pupils in Mr. Howard's school, two of them are his own daughters. They, with two others, it is believed, have cherished hopes of their interest in Christ for nearly two years.

There are signs for good among the natives. Next Lord's day a Burmese woman will be baptized by the Rev. J. Haswell, pastor of the Burmere church. Among the Talings there are a few promising inquirers after truth. The Rev. J. G. Binney baptized on June 2nd twenty Karens, men and women, and August 13th one Karen man. We feel thankful for these tokens of the divine favour following our labours. May the Lord continue to bless us, and cause many around us to turn to Him with full purpose of heart.

We feel assured that all who have read the deeply interesting memoir of the late Mrs. Judson,* written by the lady who has been since called by Providence to take her place, and who was previously well known as a writer under the name of Fanny Forester, will be pleased by the perusal of an extract from a letter

* Memoir of Sarah B Judson, Member of the American Mission to Burmah. By Fanny Forester, with an Introductory Notice by Edward Bean Underhill. London: Aylott and Jones.

addressed by her to a friend in America with reference to the present state of the mission, and the labours of the devoted missionaries.

We have been favoured by the Rev. A. D. Gillette with the sight of a letter he has just received from Mrs. Judson, dated Maulmain, July 21, 1848. She says, and the intelligence will interest very many of her friends, "We are comfortably settled in the house to which we came when we first landed, and doing what we can. We are all in very good health, myself in particular. You never saw me so well. Baby is as round and as rosy as though she had been born in a land of snows." The following extract of her letter will show that she has not laid down the pen of "Fanny Forester," and will, we hope, yield profit both to our readers and to the friends of the Missionary Union.

"Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labour and to wait.'

"This verse of Longfellow's, my dear Mr. Gillette, has seemed to me, as I looked over the papers received this month, a very good expression of the spirit of the age. Up and doing!' Up and doing!' is the great cry; and I feel sure that all this energy, this 'running to and fro,' and 'increase of knowledge,' is not for a trifle. Blessed are they who, in this crisis of the affairs of earth, are not warring with windmills and wrestling with shadows; or, worse still, labouring to dig pits for the downfall of themselves and their fellows. You cannot imagine, now that I am out of the whirlpool, how it looks to me. I see a parcel of children hurrying, scrambling, and jostling, each trying to keep his own bubble in the air, or blow it where there is the most sunshine. These are the children of men. There are others busy-I cannot say quite as busy-building up a glorious temple of sapphire and emerald, and the other precious living stones,' each digging his priceless gem from the mire, wherever he can find it; and these, the labours of whose hands are eternal, are the children of God. You will like to know what the gem-seekers here in Maulmain are doing, and whether they find any

thing that will help much toward building the temple.

"One company of them has discovered a bed of stones entirely unguarded, and they are securing them, one after another, right gleefully, I can assure you. The temple, at the particular spot where they are labouring, goes up very rapidly, and though their hands are sometimes weary, their hearts are full of joy.

"For the other company I cannot say so much. They have discovered a deep rich mine, but it is closely shut up, and guarded by a certain personage of whom you may have heard before, called Apollyon. Now, the command to overcome this fellow, who has gained all these jewels by robbing the Owner of the land, is positive, and they dare not disobey; and, moreover, they are certain they shall be successful in the end. But for these two considerations, joined with a dislike to lose so much treasure, if it can be avoided, I think they would retreat, and perhaps join the other company; for their task is very difficult and discouraging. Occasionally they gain a momentary advantage of the giant robber, and succeed in snatching a gem or two from beneath his feet; but of course they cannot expect to get at the bottom of the mine in this way. You may have heard of a certain lever, very powerful in such circumstances, called the word of God. This they have already prepared, and if they can only put it into full operation, they will at once overcome the enemy and unlock the mine. But necessary facilities for such operation will cost much time and labour, and will moreover cost a great quantity of gold, and many human lives. But He who bought the mine, a little less than two thousand years ago, paid a much higher price for it. The company know that it was of exceeding great value; and that if they do not recover it for the Owner, who is their benefactor, be will be angry with them, and chastise them. Do you know of any one who has a life to give in this cause? If not, gold would be very acceptable; for, as I have told you, it costs both.”—Christian Chronicle.

CHINA.

HONG KONG.

When Mr. Dean, the American missionary, was in this country early last winter, he gave a very interesting account of the progress of the American Baptist Mission in China, and stated that a native agent, of whom he had four ready, could be supported for £25 per annum. Some members of Mr. Fraser's church, in Regent Street, Lambeth, feeling deeply interested in the object, determined to raise the amount, at the same time resolving not to permit this to trench on their

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