though I have at times walked thirty miles. | others keep aloof, having settled it in their We are none the worse for it now. minds that no good can be done on such There is nothing to repay any one for a occasions, and whilst the people are thus journey of that kind but the thought that the engaged. Whether they are right I do not gospel was declared to many who had never pretend to determine, but it really seemed to heard it, and little messages of mercy were me a duty to try. I went, having laid my sent in various directions through the tracts account with all kinds of treatment, and bore that we gave away. Many besides who solemn testimony against their abominations, listened to us had before heard us in the and presented the truth as it is in Jesus. I bazar of Matura, and inquired for more of the would have given all I possess for a Singhabooks they had received on such occasions. lese tongue and a ready one; but though not Our hope is that in some cases they may be able to speak readily, I can read tolerably made the means of salvation to the poor de- well, and have a rather powerful voice. luded and idolatrous people. With that, then, and the tongue of the assistant, the people were somewhat disconcerted, and abandoned for the time some of the follies they were practising, and in their presence some of the priests themselves were silenced. They raised to be sure the ancient cry, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians," and some would have proffered a little violence; but we had the truth, and gave it to them freely. Whether real good will result is all unknown to us, but I am satisfied that an effect was produced. We did what we could. The fair. During the present month I have had opportunity of addressing again and again more Singhalese than I have ever seen assembled in any place. About three miles from Matura, at Dondru-head, pilgrims from every part of the island were daily presenting offerings to their gods, for they have many, and I was very unwilling to let the season go by without attempting their good, though all COLOMBO. The health of our missionary brother Mr. DAVIES, has improved, and by Divine blessing the work of God continues to prosper in his hands. He writes:— For the last few weeks I have been conversing with two Mohammedans at the Leper's Hospital. Our native preacher of the Hendella stations visits the lepers once every week. About six months ago these two men renounced the religion of the false prophet, read the scriptures, listened to our instruction, seemed affected by the truth, and asked to be baptized. One of them is a native of Malaya, but came to Ceylon in childhood; the other is a Bengali, but came to this country about seven years ago. Both were brought up strict Mohammedans, and had never heard of Christ till they came to the hospital. In order to ascertain if they were penitent converts I have conversed with them frequently, and with much satisfaction. I mention these cases because the conversion of Mohammedans in Ceylon is more rare than the conversion of Jews in England. Indeed, as far as I can ascertain, not more than two or three cases have occurred for the last fifty years. The testimony of Dr. Duff to the prospects of Hindooism on the continent of India is important. Mr. DAVIES says, Dr. Duff has lately been in Ceylon on a missionary tour. He had overstayed his appointed time in Southern India, so that he had but three or four days to spend in Ceylon. Sir J. E. Tennent kindly invited me to dine with the doctor one evening, which was the only opportunity I had of seeing him, and ascertaining his opinion on the state of missions generally from Calcutta down to Ceylon. His long experience in India renders his judgment on this matter valuable. I was glad to find that he found the various missions which he had visited in an increasingly healthy state, and that heathenism was gradually giving way. His account of the Syrian churches anciently planted on the Malabar coast, and respecting which I was anxious to have some certain information, was not very encouraging. He had visited them, and satisfied himself that they were in all respects, but the acknowledgment of the pope, papists. The continued decline in the income of the Society rendered it necessary that early in the present year steps should be taken to reduce the expenditure. Our missionaries were accordingly acquainted with the necessity of the case, and we now lay before the members of the Society Mr. DAVIES's reply, one of the earliest that has been received. May we not express the hope that this painful alternative will yet be averted; and that by a revived spirit of prayer and benevolence the brethren's hands be lifted up, and the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom proceed? Your letter demanding £200 further reduction I received by last mail. It has been forwarded to my brethren, but as yet I have| not heard their opinion thereon. However, some things connected with it seem to me certain. I regard it as a permanent reduction as far as England is concerned, and there is no hope of making up any part of the deficiency in the island; indeed there is no prospect of the mission being more self-sustained than at present. We have no alternative, therefore, but to make a permanent reduction of our stations here. For the last three years I have been endeavouring in this division of the mission to reduce expenditure without breaking up any stations, under the hope that in time the funds would again increase, or at least further reductions would not be demanded. But now it is impossible to pursue this mode of reduction any further. The schools and the salaries of native agents have been brought down to the lowest point, so that henceforth the reductions must be made by wholesale, i. e., some whole stations must be given up, and the district of country in which they are must be abandoned. This will be a most discouraging step. It will destroy the confidence of the natives in the permanence of our cause, and scatter the members we have in such abandoned places; for it is impossible to keep together native churches by occasional visits. It will be losing the results of thirty years' labour and expense, for the larger portion of the reductions will have to be made in Colombo stations, as they are the more numerous. Most of these stations have been occupied since the time of Mr. Chater, and all of them long before any at Kandy or Matura were thought of. They are not only of older date and larger number, but have a much greater number of converts. Yet their abandonment is inevitable-inevitable if we divide our funds between three European stations. Importance of maintaing native agency. We have been always dwelling upon the importance of a native agency. We have expended much labour and money in training a native agency. We have brought that agency into work, and now we must turn it adrift. I am speaking of native preachers, not schoolmasters. Indeed were I to abolish every school in my stations it would not be equal to the proportion of the reduction I shall have to make; but they cannot be all abolished; they are indispensable at every station as auxiliaries. I have twenty-two schools, which cost only about £90 a year. Ten thirteenths of the sum you allow will be expended upon the three European missionaries, so that the amount left for native agency will be a mere trifle; and if this be divided between three stations it really will not be worth the Society's while supporting a European at each place. In my humble opinion, if it be thought desirable to keep three Europeans in the island under such circumstances, instead of their being at three separate places, it would be far better to abandon one of the three European stations, and to place two missionaries at Colombo. Kandy is a comparatively recent station, with a total number of about thirty members, and but one fixed out-station (Matella), and two or three schools, yet it is kept up at a great expense. Matura is still more recent, and has but twenty-one members and ten schools. Till Mr. Dawson's removal thither, three years ago, it did not cost more than £90 a year. So the effect of these reductions is breaking up old and settled stations at Colombo, to carry on new ones at the other stations. The subject is very important, and whatever decision we come to, it will have a very discouraging effect upon the native Christians. It is most painful to the Committee, under such circumstances, to urge on our brethren further reductions. In the previous year, from this cause, twelve schools were abandoned, while the additions to the churches were most encouraging. Forty-five natives were baptized in 1848, and the number of candidates for baptism increased from twenty-four to seventy-two. About fifteen stations, on which are dependent 136 villages and estates, are occupied by our missionaries and their assistants, numbering in all forty-nine persons, at a total expense of less than £1700. There are in communion, 451 members. We earnestly appeal to the churches of Christ, whether any portion of this "field which God hath blessed," shall be permitted to be again overrun with the dark superstition of the worshippers of Brahma and Boodh? INDIA. CALCUTTA. Under the date of August 7th, the Rev. J. THOMAS informs us, that although not without ailments, all the brethren continue at their posts. Mr. and Mrs. SALE have reached their station. He suffered from fever by the way, and was very low when he reached Barisal, but has since recovered, and is full of hope from the appearances of things among the people. He adds, "There have been additions by baptism to the churches at several of the stations, and I hope shortly to baptize again at Bow Bazar." SERAMPORE. For the following interesting narrative we are indebted to the pages of Evangelical Christendom. It is contained in a letter from Mr. DENHAM to Dr. STEANE, dated June 20, 1849. CONVERSION AND DEATH OF KASI PODMA CHOUDREE. Since the date of my last, we have been called to sustain an affecting loss in the sudden removal of a student, a Brahman, whose character and worth, together with his solid acquirements, had excited a hope in our minds that he would one day become, if not a distinguished, yet a truly useful man, and his energies be employed on behalf of his benighted countrymen. His death took place on Friday, the 20th of April, and under circumstances, the recital of which will, I am sure, call forth your sympathies and prayers for us, that we may be instruments of raising up and enlightening many such, who shall afterwards become devoted servants of our Lord and Saviour. The narrative of the removal of my young friend will not be regarded as altogether devoid of interest by the youthful members of your congregation. I pray that it may be the means of stimulating their energies and their efforts on behalf of those of their own age in India. Kasi's youth. I regret to say that I know but little of his early history. My acquaintance with Kasi Podma Choudree commenced a little more than three years ago. Had a thought crossed my mind that we should have been called to part with him so early, and under circumstances so affecting, I should have availed myself of the opportunities he gave me when, after college hours, he frequently called for conversation. I have said above that I knew him partially before the management of the college school fell to me. He would occasionally look in upon me and ask questions, and hold conversations on religious subjects. When I became connected with the college, he entered the first class, and frequently read with me in the order of duty. I cannot say that I observed striking talent in him at this time, nor even for some months afterwards. He was, however, extremely diligent in the discharge of his duties, and showed much respect for Christianity, and much personal respect towards me. Kasi's progress. About the close of the year 1847, I noticed some indications of a growing change; there was an alteration in manner, coupled with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and undisguised conviction of the superior advantages of Christianity over every other system. The inquiries to which this gave rise were in unison with the peculiar bent of his own mind; metaphysics, and subjects which required thought, seemed to engage his whole attention, and he eventually became one of the clearest thinkers and closest reasoners in the class. His mathematical powers were also very respectable. In a word, his whole demeanour was quiet and staid-his judgment well balanced. At times he was vivacious enough, but his cheerfulness was tempered with wisdom. Of the quiet shrewd remarks he would make, at the expense of Hindooism, I could give you some amusing examples. But to return. About the time of the last Pooja, in honour of the goddess Durga, October, 1848, he became more free and communicative on religious topics. After an hour or two's conversation, he expressed his determination not to spend the season of the festival at home; his abode, being the residence of a wealthy native, was crowded at such times with idolatrous visitors and hungry Brahmans, who never lose an opportunity to annoy a youth like Kasi, suspected of holding the idols in contempt. It was at this time he told me his difficulties, and expressed his anxiety that his wife, a young thing, perhaps twelve or thirteen years of age, might be taught to read; to which, I believe, she was not averse. Having furnished him with suitable elementary books for her, he left for his own village, near Santipore, where, I believe, he had some small property. This poor child, his wife, according to the laws of Hindooism, is now a widow for life. No Hindoo would think of marrying a widow, were she ever so young, and though her dowry were thousands of rupees. Kasi a Christian. At the expiration of the festival he recommenced his studies, and continued to prosecute them without interruption till the time of his death. It was during the early months of the present year that I began to feel more satisfaction with respect to his religious views. Often and often he paced the roof of my house with me, and laid his difficulties before me; he felt his mother and his young wife had strong claims upon him, and his hope was, that God, to whom he had committed his way, would direct his steps, and in time remove his difficulties. The moment, dear sir, a Hindoo embraces Christianity, that moment he is stripped of every thing. British subject he may be, but no law exists sufficiently powerful to meet the disabilities under which he labours when he becomes a Christian, or to secure to him the undisturbed possession of those rights which are, or should be, inalienable. In the eye of law such a man is dead, and the thought of such civil death exercises an indescribable power over the Hindoo. There are thousands of young men who despise Hindooism, but who are bound to their connexions by caste and ties of family. Kasi, however, had spirit enough, provided his way had been clear to move, or I could have advised him to do so consistently; my own view was, that a few months would enable us to decide what was to be done. To make this poor youth's case intelligible to a European is next to impossible. Hindooism, to be known, must be seen, not only on the soil, but in its practical workings at home. Humanly speaking, he had no way of escape, but to throw himself on me for protection and support, which he was unwilling to do, unless the door of his friends was closed upon him. He could then have come to me with safety. His secret desire was to have entered my senior class, and have studied theology; and, should he prove acceptable, to give himself to the work of the ministry. This, no doubt, would have been the case, as his address was good, and he possessed considerable aptitude for speaking and teaching; It was on the morning of the 20th of April, that he sent to the college to inform us that he was very ill. He had been to Calcutta, and was seized with cholera there. Having sought temporary relief, he made the best of his way to Serampore, and sent word as soon as he arrived. The moment we heard of it, Mr. Ledlie, our head master, was commissioned to visit him without delay, for Kasi was much attached to Mr. Ledlie, and was greatly indebted to his kind instructions. I gave him the usual cholera medicine, and begged Mr. Ledlie to administer it himself, and to stay as long as his Hindoo friends would permit him. On seeing Mr. Ledlie enter the room where he was lying, notwithstanding he was surrounded by his Brahman friends, he threw his arms round him, and expressed his thankfulness. Mr. Ledlie administered part of the medicine, and conversed with him on the state of his 'soul, during which Kasi asked him, in presence of all assembled, to read and pray with him; he himself praying audibly-in this the hour of extreme sorrow-for mercy and forgiveness, expressing his reliance on the merits and mercy of our blessed Redeemer. Mr. Ledlie remained as long as allowed by the Hindoos present, who appeared every moment more and more urgent for his departure; so much so that, in his presence, they began to cover his body with a red powder, which is customary among Hindoos at such seasons of death, in order to write the names of their idol deities on his person. Mr. Ledlie begged them to desist, and encouraged the dying youth once more to look to Jesus; and when he left him, promised, if he were spared, to see him again. He saw him about seven in the evening, but Kasi was too far gone to converse with him. Kasi's death. I would willingly leave unrecorded what ensued, for the honour of our common nature; what agonies of mind he underwent is known to him who has, doubtless, welcomed his ransomed spirit to "everlasting habitations." He is now far beyond all malice, and pain, and sorrow. It was now quite evening-and the evenings are really cold in India; still, notwithstanding, the dying sufferer was removed, and exposed to the chilling dews of that river's banks from whence no sick traveller returns. Two of my young men, his fellowstudents, interposed and entreated their friends to let him die in peace. They were bidden to be silent, and their entreaties regarded with scorn. He was now speechless, sinking time. Brihmo Mohrm Prendit, another Brahman, confirmed the report that was abroad when interrogated by me the following day. I leave the disposal of these few lines to you, dear sir; make what use of them you please. Should you deem them calculated to arrest the attention of your_young_friends, and should mention poor Kasi's death to them, ask them to remember and pray for the youths of the colleges and schools in India, that the Spirit of the living God may descend upon them and those who labour for their welfare. rapidly under the power of the disease; yet, given. Kali Das Moitree, and two young raising his sunken eyes, and summoning his men, Kasi's friends and fellow-students, also remaining strength, he clenched his hand and Brabmans, were present nearly the whole pointed heavenward with one finger. My informant, a Koolin Brahman, inquired "what his wish or meaning might be?" He pointed upward a second time-"seeming to wish us to understand that there was one God, and only one God." Though in health he was a beautiful youth to look upon, his appearance was now hideous-red powder and idolatrous marks covered his body, and profuse cold damps were upon him. In this condition he was carried to the ghat, or to the funeral pile. The wood was heaped together, and his body cast upon the pile with the utmost brutality, the Brahmans leaving him with expressions of contempt, saying, "he was not worthy the last rites of incremation." A young man, I am told, was left to kindle the funeral pile; but before his body was half burned, threw it on the strand to the impure and greedy animals which prowl the banks of the Ganges nightly in search of prey. Remarks. Though these hastily-written lines have extended beyond the limits I prescribed to myself, I must add one sentence. You may remember, some years ago, at the time the intelligence of the death of William Pearce reached England, you gave your congregation an extract from a letter of our beloved brother, Dr. Yates. I well remember that evening, dear sir, and how greatly that intelligence affected me. I put up a fervent supplication to Almighty To record some of the details of the re- God that, if consistent with his will, I might moval of my young friend and pupil has been spend my days in his service among the a painful task, for I knew and loved him, and heathen. He has answered my prayer. Who had watched over him and marked the in- can tell what stranger may be among you fluence of truth in its workings on his mind, again, when you call the attention of the and encouraged a hope that he would even-youthful part of your auditory to the death of tually devote those talents God had given this young Brahman? May not some dehim to the service of the Redeemer. I have voted young man among you, whose heart been careful to verify every sentence con- has been given to God and to his people, tained in this letter, and have taken it from determine, in Jehovah's strength, to consecrate the lips of those who witnessed the whole himself, body and soul, to Jesus' glorious scene. Mr. Ledlie's statement I have already cause in India. With the preceding letter Mr. DENHAM sends two essays, written as college exercises by this young man ; one at least of which we hope to lay before our readers on a future occasion. To the important closing remarks of the editor we beg to call particular attention. We cannot let this occasion pass without of profession, and as deterring it when it asking if the preceding narrative does not would otherwise be made from sinister suggest some very important matter for the motives. But we look at the matter from reflection of British Christians? We refer another point of view, and ask whether it especially to that part of it which relates comports with our British sense of religious to the social and civil disabilities which a liberty, and of the rights of conscience? It Hindoo incurs if he embraces Christianity. is to be remembered that India is a part of These disabilities are so great that they the British empire, that Hindoos are British amount to a practical prohibition of the subjects, and that the British authorities are, Christian profession. Our intelligent corres- in fact, the parties ultimately responsible in pondent does not hesitate to say that they the case. It lies within their power legally, constitute a sort of CIVIL DEATH, and he speaks as it is certainly incumbent upon them of them as exercising an indescribable power over the Hindoo. We know it may be said that the disciples of Christ in heathen countries, and converted from heathenism, must be prepared to make sacrifices and endure persecution; and that the existing state of things in India, in relation to this point, may even be salutary, as supplying a test of the sincerity morally, to remove these impediments out of the way of the new convert; and, if the matter be not taken up by those to whom in a legislative capacity it belongs, British Christians ought generally to turn their attention to it, and require that NO HINDOO SHALL SUFFER wRONG FOR BECOMING A CHRISTIAN. |