FOREIGN.

BAPTISED BELLS.

IN your last December Mag. (p. 491.) was given a short statement from the newspapers of a grand religious ceremony (more properly a farce) having lately been performed at the Royal Monastery of the Temple, at Paris. The object of the ceremony was the baptism of four great bells, with a royal godfather and godmother!" The notice of such a ceremony ought to remind the reader of the invaluable blessing of the Reformation in our own favoured country, while it is recollected that the same solemn fooleries were practised in England, when popery was the established religion of the land. In Coates' History of Reading, we are informed that "the great beli of St. Lawrence's church" in that town, "named Harry, was cast in 1499; and as appears by the Churchwarden's accounts, 6s. 8d. were paid for the "hallowing," or consecrating (baptising) it: Sir William Syms, Richard Cleeche, and Mistress Smyth, being the godfathers and godmother.”.

It may not only afford amusement but some instruction also, to some of your readers, to inform them, that these consecrated bells were formerly considered as possessing manifold mysteries, in which" more was meant than the sound that met the ear." A celebrated French bishop, Durand, called from his acuteness and firmness the resolute doctor, explains the mysteries in the following

manner:

"They are made of brass, and so more shrill than trumpets under the law; because then God was known in Judea only, but now through the world They are also more durable, to signify that the preaching of the New Testament shall continue longer than the trumpets and sacrifices of the Old Law, even to the end of the world.

Again, these bells denote preachers, which, like to bells, ought to call men to the Faith. The bell itself denotes the mouth of the preacher, according to that of the apostle, I am become as sounding brass, &c. The hardness of the metal denotes fortitude in the mind of the preacher; hence, saith God, I have givm thee a forehead more hard than their foreheads.

"The clapper, which, striking on both sides of the bell makes the sound, denotes the doctor's tongue, which is adorned with knowledge, and publisheth both the Testaments. A prelate therefore without abilities to preach, is like a bell without a clapper. And the stricking of the clapper on both sides the bell, signifies that a preacher ought first to

smite vice in himself by correction, and af- terwards proceed to reprove it in others.

"The band wherewith the clapper is tied to the bell, denotes the moderation wherewith the tongue is tempered. The wood in which the bell hangeth, signifies the wood of the cross of Christ. The iron

ligatures which tie and fasten the bell to the wood, denote charity, by which the preacher, being inseparably conjoined to the cross, glorieth, saying, Far be it from me to glory, except in the cross of our Lord. The wheel by which the bell is tolled, signifies the right mind of the preacher, which being wholly addicted to the divine laws, he presseth them upon the people by continual preaching. The rope wherewith the bell is tolled, denotes the humility or life of the preacher. Again, the rope is tied to the wood in which the bell hangeth, to signify that the scripture descendeth from the wood of the holy cross; and, as the rope is made of three cords, so the scripture consisteth of a Trinity; viz. History, Allegory, and Morality. And the rope descending from the wood in the priest's hand, is the scripture descending from the mystery of the cross in the mouth of the preacher; and it comes to his hand, because the scripture should produce good works. The rising and falling of the rope in tolling and ringing the bell, denote that the holy scriptures sometimes speak of high and sometimes of low matters; or that the minister sometimes preaches mysteriously, and sometimes plainly, according to the capacity of the people. Again, the priest pulls the rope downward, when he descends from contemplation to action; and upward, when the Scripture is exalted in contemplation. Lastly, he pulls it downwurd, when the scripture is expounded literally; upward, when it is expounded spiritually." Durand. Ration. Divin. Offic. lib. 1. cap. 4. Papismus, p. 147-149.

4. Stopford's Pagano

While your readers may be amused at the ingenuity of the acute and resolute Popish doctor, what will they think of an inscription on a bell in their own country, which makes the sounding brass itself express a prayer for mercy, and that since the era of the Reformation in the year 1635, in the reign of Charles I. In an extract from Turnor's History of Grantham, given in the Eclectic Review, March 1809, is the following assertion, "On the second bell in Harlaxton steeple are cast these words;-J. H. S. Nuzarenus rex. Judeorum, fili Dei, miserere mei, 1635." The reader may meet with some curious particulars on the ancient ceremony of the anointing of steeples, in the Literary Panorama, April 1807. J.J.

himself and them. During his stay, he experienced the most polite attention from the officers, who declared that the members of the Bellary Society were the best men of the regiment.

On the 27th of the Royal Charlotte, China ship, came into the Cannamore Roads, when Captain Howell, the commander, kindly offered him a free passage, which he thankfully accepted.

A Postscript was added, dated Bombay, Feb. 28, in which Mr. Hands states, that after a long passage of 14 days, he arrived at that place, and was most kindly received by the family of his excellent brother missionary, Mr. Hall. Here he found Mrs. Skinner, the widow of our lamented missionary, and her sister, Miss Smith. He states his expectation of being shortly united in marriage with the latter, and then proceeding homeward to Bellary.

We are grieved to say that, according to information received by Mr. Loveless, of Madras, and communicated to us, as mentioned in our last Number, Mrs. Hands was removed by death, on her way to Bellary.

(This interesting letter appears at large in No. XXV. of the Quarterly Chronicle.)

HUMPEE.

Further Extracts of a Letter from Rev. W. Reeve; dated Humpee, April 8, 1822. "THE Rajah of Harponelly, whom Brother Hands and myself visited five years ago at the seat of his government, was, with two other chieftains, at this feast. He sent to us, requesting an interview we took the first opportunity of calling upon him. But what with the bards rehearsing his titles, loud noise of drums and horns, the scraping and bowing of hundreds of interested sycophants, and the clanging of the immense multitude that stood in a semicircle before the open area, we found but little opportunity of preaching to him " of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come." He, however, treated us very courteously, made a few inquiries relative to the state of the Mission, the health of my colleagues, &c. &c. and insisted upon our returning to our lodgings on one of his elephants. I would much rather have gone on the apostle's horse, but to please him, for the first time in my life, mounted by means of a ladder this huge There was and sagacious animal. scarlet howder on the top, in which we sat as easy as on a sofa. He has al

a

ways shown himself very friendly towards us. He expresses a wish that we would visit his country again. Some time ago he furnished us with several scarce and very valuable native books, from which we have derived no small facilities in our philological pursuits."

"The Dessai (a Mahratta chieftain) of whose correspondence we have formerly given you several extracts, was to have met us here. But some obstacles on the part of government had 'rendered this measure impracticable. He sent a very pretty note of apology, expressing how much he was grieved at the disappointment, and the hopes he entertained of soon seeing us at Bellary. Anundarayer was my amanuensis in writing him a reply."

Description of the Hindoos.

"The Hindoo character of itself is not only altogether uninteresting, but extremely repulsive and forbidding, and the missionary of Jesus needs much of the grace of God to keep up the proper tone of his mind, and to prevent his being a misanthrope instead of a philanthropist. The Hindoos are not barbarous, but their elevation from that state consisting mainly of cunning, craft and duplicity, renders them rather despicable than amiable. They are, it is true, a civilized people; but while on the one hand the powers of communication, memory, association, imitation, reflection and reasoning, are prostituted to the vilest of purposes, and made subservient to the greatest fooleries in the world; on the other hand, we behold an almost entire destitution of those traits of moral complexion which shed a lustre and a glory over the civilized nations of ancient Greece and Rome. But, shall we therefore conclude that their conversion to the faith of the gospel is altogether a hopeless case? This be far from us; when we recollect that this pagan nation, as well as all others, is in the hands of the Great Omnipotent as clay is in the hands of the potter; that his divine fiat is irresistible and without controul; that nothing is too hard for the Lord."

CALCUTTA.

Extracts from a Letter from Mr. Bankhead, to the Rev. Mr. Jackson, of Stockwell, his former minister; dated Calcutta, 14th February 1822.

"IT affords me much pleasure in being enabled to state that the work of the Lord is evidently advancing in this quarter of the globe-prejudice appears daily

to decrease-large congregations assemble to hear the Word of Life-and a spirit of inquiry appears generally to prevail. Female education appears to excite increasing interest, and some natives have sent a petition to one of the Church Missionaries, requesting him to establish a school for the education of their daughters; but I am sorry to say that this disposition only partially prevails."

"The congregation at the English chapel is upon the increase. God appears to be honouring his word with success, as there are now seven candidates for church fellowship."

"Mrs. Euston Carey called upon us last Sabbath-day on her return from Chinsurah, and while coming down the river, was witness to a Suttee, or immolation of a widow upon the funeral pile. The poor victim walked with the greatest composure to the fatal spot, and after a short ceremony was tied to the dead body of her husband-a torch was ap plied to the pile, and in a short time both bodies were consumed, amidst the shouts and yells of the surrounding multitude."

"At a short distance from the above place, the same lady saw ten sick persons brought to the side of the Ganges, and after their relations had filled their mouths, ears, and nostrils with mud, left them to be carried away with the tide, expecting to be conveyed thence into a place of perfect happiness. Thus, Sir, while we are called to notice such painful circumstances, let us adore the grace which maketh us to differ, and pray, with renewed vigour, that the Holy Spirit may be poured out from on high; that idolatry may be banished far hence, and the religion of Jesus universally prevail."

THE Rev. Dr. Middleton, Bishop of Calcutta, died in that city on Monday the 8th of July last, in consequence of severe illness, which baffled all medical skill, and in a very few days terminated his mortal existence. The intelligence is from a Bengal Newspaper, brought to Liverpool by the ship Hindoostan.

Bishop MIDDLETON, it is said, received his early education at Christ's Hospital, (the Blue Coat School) from whence he removed to Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, where he proceeded B.A. in 1792, M.A. in 1795. In 1812 he was collated Archdeacon of Huntingdon, and presented to the vicarage of St. Pancras, Middlesex. In 1814, when it was determined to appoint a resident bishop in our eastern dominions, Dr. M. was selected by government to fill that very exalted station. As

a scholar, Dr. M. acquired great reputation by his celebrated Treatise on the Doctrine of the Greek Article, applied to the illustration of the New Testament.-Times.

CHINSURAH.

Extract of a Letter from Rev. H. Townley; dated Chinsurah, April 15, 1822. DURING my late visit to Calcutta, a measure was unanimously resolved upon, which has given me the greatest satisfaction of any event since the commencement of the Mission.

*

It is, that the Friday of every month antecedent to the administration of the Lord's Supper (which is the second Sunday in the month) be separated to the duties of secret prayer, self-examination, imploring the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, &c. The building of Union Chapel; the formation of the Bengal Auxiliary Missionary Society; the circu lation of the Scriptures and Tracts; the preaching of the Gospel-all these are calculated to raise hope that some good will be done; but altogether do not administer so much hope to my mind as that which arises from any indication of a spirit of grace and supplication being poured out upon us. This will fit us for the reception of the blessing which the numerous churches in the West are drawing down for us by their increased and fervent supplications--Let us wrestle with God, and we shall be virtually wrestling with all the heathen.

You will join with me in praises, that God continues to bless my dear partner and myself with more health than we anticipated; and we sometimes cherish a hope that he has a work for us to do among the natives, and that we shall be permitted to see some brought to the knowledge of the truth by our unworthy instrumentality, before he gives us our discharge. We pray, however, that we may not be permitted to relax our watch, knowing that the Son of man often comes at a very short notice, and at a very unlooked-for hour. Our dear fellow-labourers at Chinsurah are ripening in their work, and pursuing it with unabated

ardour.

Mr. Townley states that a gentleman resident at Chinsurah, who has lately become pious, and who understands the Bengalee and Hindoostanee,occasionally exercises his gifts in speaking to the natives, in the Bungalow Mission Chapels at that station.

* By the Missionaries at that station.

BELGAUM. Extract of a Letter from Mr. TAYLOR, dated

Belgaum, 31st December 1821.

"I FEEL happy in communicating to you that the few persons here who desire to serve the Lord and to live in obedience to His commandments, have formed themselves into a Christian Church the beginning of this month. Our number is 17, and the ordinance instituted by our Lord, in commemoration of his dying love to sinners, is to be administered every month. The rules which have been adopted in the formation of this Church are almost the same in substance as those which have been acted upon by the Brethren at Bellary.

Our association, as it respects subscriptions,has been very successful. Since our general meeting, we have collected upwards of 500 rupees within the last half year; of that amount 175 rupees have been voted to our Society, and sent to the agents at Madras: 105 rupees have been sent to the Bible, and 60 to the Tract Societies at Bellary, and 60 to the Bombay Bible Society, A sergeant of His Majesty's 46th regiment, lately deceased, and who I have reason to hope died in the Lord, left his property to me, amounting to 60 rupees, for the Associa tion. The amount altogether transmitted from the Belgaum Association to the agents of our Society is 385 rupees or 441. The Brahmin, mentioned in the Report as being under great concern for his soul, still, I am happy to say, continues seriously disposed: requiring a Mahratta writer to assist in writing Tracts for distribution, I have been induced to take him into my service. He attends to this work with great attention and apparent delight. He has been lately speaking about Baptism: he hopes, he says, God will enable him to overcome his sins; his evil heart he finds his greatest burden, and expresses his fears lest, after acknowledging Christian Baptism, he should fall into sin. He says he is not so much afraid of the world as he is of his own sinful heart. I do hope that the work in him is genuine. It will, I trust, be more manifest by his future conduct. If he continues stedfast, I expect he will prove a valuable assistant in the Mission, as a preacher of the Gospel among his own countrymen. He, with two of the school children, came last week to witness the celebration of the Lord's Supper at my own house, of which Rayadass and his wife, for the first time, partook. After the service, it being rather late to return home, they staid all night at my house; before we retired to rest I spent some time with them in prayer, and in endeavouring to explain the nature of the or

dinance which we had been attending to, and what were the obligations of those who partook of it. The time thus spent proved a season of refreshment to my soul, and encouragement to persevere in my humble endeavours to serve the Lord. One circumstance rather sur-prised me, viz. to find the Brahmin overcome his prejudice so far as to partake of some fruit and part of a cake which I sent for. Rayadass and his wife, and the children, also made a hearty supper of the same. In no one circumstance, perhaps, is the prejudice of a Brahmin so manifest as his aversion to partake of any thing coming from the hands of an European; it therefore surprised me to find this Brahmin, and the children with him, not only partaking of fruit, but also of what had been prepared, for what they knew, at my own house.

A few other natives, of the weaver cast, also seem to be under concern about their souls, and attend at the Shawpoore school every evening for instruction from Rayadass, who reads to them the Scriptures, and gets them also to engage with him in prayer.

Our native Schools continue to be well attended, and afford me encouragement to hope that in time some good will result from them: Almost all the children. are committing to memory Catechisms and portions of Scripture; the diligence with which some of them learn, and the attention they pay when spoken to, incline me to think that their young minds are in some measure impressed with what they read and hear. Some very readily inake appropriate replies when questioned upon what they have learnt. By the Divine blessing upon these means, we may trust that they will not only become, acquainted with Divine-truth, but also feel its power, and live under its influence.

Having succeeded in getting a spot of ground in the Pettah of Belgaum, in a centrical situation, for a school-room, I have erected a tiled building for that purpose, 27 feet by 15, which has cost about 100 rupees. Since this place has been opened, many additional scholars have been admitted.

My various duties sometimes préss very heavily upon my mind as well as body; I hope, however, the Lord will strengthen me for, and assist me in, his service, and make me faithful unto death. I am anxiously expecting the arrival of another Missionary, to assist me. The field here is large and the prospects very encouraging; but oue Missionary is not sufficient for all the labour here. I sincerely hope the Directors will feel inclined and be able soon to send, another, labourer to occupy this field.