heaven will be taken by violence-that it will be a blessed means of bringing down the blessing so earnestly desired; therefore do not forget this day, I entreat you. Would I could say we have the joy of some converts from among the Hindoos, but five years is not a long time for the missionaries to wait. Look at Otaheite -they were almost 20 years labouring, and only lately the fruit appears. Things are certainly very encouraging, though the prejudice is still great. While at tea on an evening, numbers both of Hindoos and Mussulmen will come in and say, "I want a book!" What book? The Bible. Now, to get them to read our blessed Shastre in their own tongue is no small thing; and all the schools now learn the Catechism by heart, and read the Scriptures, so that an old Brahmin said lately to Mr. Townley-Oh, Sir, in our children's children's time, it will be all over with us. We know the value of the rising generation being early taught the Bible, and the bias it leaves on their mind; therefore let us pray more than ever we have done for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

CALCUTTA.

Calcutta Bible Association.

On Friday evening, June - 1822, a meeting was held at the Town Hall, for the purpose of establishing a Bible Association with the Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society, to include the co-operation of all classes in promoting the ohjects of that Society. The Rev. D. Corrie took the Chair, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Mr. Thomasen, Dr. Marshman, &c. Nearly all the missionaries both of Calcutta and Serampore were present. J. W. Sherer, Esq. was elected President; E. A. Newton, Esq. Treasurer; the Rev. Messrs. Bankhead, Schmid, and Statham, Secretaries; and J. N. Vant Hart, Sub-Treasurer.

A new church is about to be erected in Fort William, to accommodate 1000 per

sons.

Return of the Rev. Henry Townley.

WE are informed that, on account of the ill-state of Mrs. Townley's health, Mr. Townley has judged it necessary to bring her to England; but on her recovery, he fully purposes to resume his missionary labours in India. Mr. T. expected to sail in December 1822, or January 1823.

DEATH OF DR. MIDDLETON,

BISHOP OF CALCUTTA..

WE mentioned in our last Number the death of this prelate, and now insert some further particulars relating to that

event.

On

On Wednesday, July the 3d, the Bishop and his Lady went out to take an airing about an hour before sunset. turning a corner, about half a mile from home, the sun shone full upon the Bishop. He instantly expressed a feeling of having received what is called "a stroke of the sun;" and said that he was sure he should suffer from it. The carriage immediately returned home. Severe headach soon came on. His lordship took strong medicine; but would not allow his physician to be sent for. He became very restless; and on going to bed, said that he never felt so before, and God only knew what the result would be. Contrary to his usual habit when unwell, he spoke no more of death. In the night he was for getting up, saying he must work night and day to accomplish the business which he had on hand. Next day, he sat at his desk eight hours, an swering some papers referred to him by government. At night, he allowed his physician to be sent for, but would see no one else was exceedingly restless, and seemed to labour under the impression that a load of business lay upon him; and this idea did not forsake him till his death. The feverish symptoms were never violent-his pulse about 80, and only at one time 86; but the restless eagerness of his mind nothing could allay. In the evening of Monday, his physician left him with the impression that he was decidedly better; but he had not been gone long, when the Bishop became very violent, walked about in great agitation, and on being compelled to lie down, nature began to give way. His articulation soon failed. The archdeacon and his lordship's domestic chaplain were sent for. He knew the archdeacon, and made strong attempts to speak, but could not be understood, The final scene closed very rapidly, and about eleven he ceased to breathe. physician, the archdeacon, the Bishop's chaplain, the senior chaplain at the Presidency, and another friend were present. The dying Bishop and his afflicted widow were commended, in humble prayer, to the God of their salvation; and she seemed to receive strength in the attempt to resign herself to His holy will.

The

The fever of which the Bishop died is known to medical men; but its cause and cure have hitherto escaped their re

search. Under the restless anxiety occasioned by it, the patient, though conscious of every thing that passes, loses all controul of his mind; so that the Bishop would admit no one to his sick room but Mrs. Middleton and the doctor and servant.

On Sunday evening the Bishop had desired to be prayed for by the congregation at the cathedral. On the evening of Thursday, his remains were deposited, amidst the affectionate regrets of multitudes.

His Lordship has left 500l. to the college, with 500 volumes from his Library, to be selected by the principal; and, as a token of regard to the place of his early education, a like sum of money to Christ's Hospital.

On the character of the Bishop's successor, the true honour of the church which he will represent, and the efficiency of her exertions in India, will so greatly depend, that it must be earnestly hoped, by every intelligent and sincere Christian, that an enlarged, liberal, and conciliatory mind will be deemed, next to devotedness of heart to the work of the ministry, indispensable in any one who may be appointed to this office.

In addition to the mournful list of missionary labourers or their wives, who have lately been removed by death, we have now to announce the decease of Mr. Thomas Brown, formerly of Bungay, who left England on the 31st of December 1821, for Calcutta, where he resided some months; but his assistance being wanted at Bellary, he was proceeding to Madras, together with his family, with a view to go there; but it pleased God to call him hence while on his voyage. Mrs. Brown and children have returned to England.

MADRAS.

DEATH OF MR. NICHOLSON.

Letter from the Rev. Messrs. Loveless, &c. respecting the lamented decease of the Rev. Mr. Nicholson, one of the Missionaries at Madras; dated 2d August 1822, to the Secretary.

Dear Sir,-THIS has been a day of anguish and fearful trembling to us all; we have been called to witness the ravage of that disease which has been so long prevalent in this country on the person of our beloved brother and fellow-la

bourer, Mr. Nicholson. He died of the spasmodic cholera, after suffering most acutely about six hours. Such was the rapid progress of the disease, that he had no opportunity of saying much as to the state of his mind; indeed, when asked by one of us how he felt, he replied, "I can hardly think." Oh! what a lesson does this teach, to be prepared against the arrival of the summons, "we know not the day nor the hour." When racked with much pain, he observed, "This is harder work than preaching;" and to his wife, he said, "This to me is a trial of pain, but to you a trial of faith." He was frequently heard to exclaim, "there was need of patience;" and another time he uttered, "Heaven after all this." These, my dear Sir, are some of the short sentences gathered from the lips of our departed brother; they have left an impression upon our minds that will not be easily erased; and his sudden removal speaks loudly the necessity of preparation for the same eventful period.. Mr. Nicholson was an eminent servant of Christ, his preaching talent was above. mediocrity, and his services uniformly ac ceptable to the church. He was just becoming an efficient instrument among the natives, and we hoped, had he been spared, that benefit would have redounded to them through his labours but our expectation like the flower is cut down ; the church of Christ will mourn his sudden exit, and the cause of the heathen, as far as regards his individual exertions, suffer a suspense.

:

Oh! Sir, this awful dispensation has left a weeping widow and two fatherless children; they claim an interest in your prayers and sympathies, that the wound which has been made may be healed by Him, who is the God of the widow, and with whom the fatherless find both mercy and a refuge. An arrangement will be made, that his surviving and sorrowful partner may be made as comfortable and happy as is possible, and an account of our proceedings, with all necessary information, transmitted to you by the first opportunity. We need scarcely add, that our suffering mission claims your notice, and we trust it will not be long before our number is augmented; this is the more necessary, if you consider the pressing duties of the station, in connexion with its importance and the probability that others may be laid aside from disease or removed by the hand of death.

We should enter more into detail of circumstances did not the immediate departure of a vessel to England preclude it, and otherwise being desirous that you

We remain, dear Sir,
Yours very sincerely,

W. C. LOVELess.
CORNELIUS TRAVELLER.
EDM. CRISP.

BELLARY.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Chambers, dated Bellary, May 26, 1822, to the Secretary.

Dear Sir, I HAVE to thank you for yours of the 8th of March 1821, which came safe to hand. Our last general letter signed by Mr. Reeve and myself, bearing date 11th February 1822, I trust you have long since received. It contained interesting information respecting the baptism of two natives, whose lives, I am happy to say, appear to be regulated by the sacred principles of our Holy Religion.

Since that period, we have been called, as usual, to exercise faith and hope. A very large portion of these graces is necessary in a missionary of Jesus Christ, especially in India, where the mighty, but, I trust, tottering fabric of idolatry, assumes so formidable an appearance. Our friends in England can form but little idea of the awfully deplorable and dreadfully infatuated condition of the inhabitants of this pagan land. My soul had often wept over their miseries before I left my native land; but when I came to realize the scene, I found, alas, that the half was not told me. There seems to be such a dreadful apathy, and such a destitution of generous feeling, pervading the character of a Hindoo, as to a Christian mind is indescribably painful. The volatile disposition which they evince when speaking of their deities and their religious systems, is awfully manifest when they are addressed on the grand and important doctrines of the Gospel. Indeed, 'much is gained when they even appear to be serious on religious subjects. This is seldom the case, unless when they are disposed to cavil with you, and which the Brahmins in general appear to have no objection to. The great obstacle among them, next to the natural enmity of the human mind, appears to be that of "caste." This is the mighty barrier that holds them down to their foolish and absurd superstitions. This is the strong hold of Satan erected among them, and in which they are held his deluded votaries. But this, powerful as it is, must give way before the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. O, for sacred

from the Holy Spirit. This it is we want; this would effectually turn this valley of death into the garden of the Lord.

We have recently had several pleasing instances among the natives. Two Sepoys have been recently to inquire for copies of the Scriptures, who appeared, especially one of them, to be under great concern for the salvation of his soul Another man who came to beg a copy of the Tamul New Testament, on being requested to pay a small sum for it, went and fetched the money, saying he would have given twice that sum rather than not have procured it. Circumstances such as these, while perhaps there is but little definite about them, are nevertheless encouraging to us, who are taught by painful dispensations to regard minutely the day of small things."

Mr. Howell, who is still at this station, has been detained longer here than was anticipated, in consequence of domestic circumstances. He is about to be settled at a neighbouring station very speedily. As Mr. Howell bas remained until now at Bellary, he has continued his attention to the Schools, by which means I have had more time for attending to the language of the heathen here, which is of great importance. My chief attention is directed to it. I talk a little in it, as I am able, and hope I am making progress. The schools around us are well attended, and as little prejudice as we can expect is evinced. From these little establishments, I trust a seed may eventually be raised up who shall see the folly of the religion of their poor benighted forefathers, and who shall joyfully unite to call our Saviour blessed. For this reason we are now called to pray, to labour, and to wait, and we wish to do so, in reliance upon Him who hath assured us that our labour shall not be in vain in the

Lord.

We much wish to establish a School for native girls at this place; but we find great difficulty. The natives are greatly prejudiced against their females receiving any education; but we do not despair of, being able to accomplish something in this way. We have suggested plans, and made inquiries; and Mrs. Chambers has had two or three girls promised, which we shall be happy to receive, to make a beginning. It is lamentable to see how the poor females of this country are degraded; they are not supposed to be capable of doing any thing, and are not regarded in a much better light than beasts of burden.

Mr. Hands has recently returned from a missionary tour, in which he has dis

tributed considerable numbers of copies of the Holy Scriptures, Tracts, &c. which in many places have been received with great eagerness; while others, ignorant of the value of the sacred writings, have refused the invaluable gift, and have put far from them the word of life.

The members of the mission with their families, are, through divine mercy, in the enjoyment of good health. Our heavenly Father has been very gracious to myself and Mrs. Chambers since our arrival here. We experienced much inconvenience from the hot season last year, which, as it was our first, perhaps t affected us on that account the more. We desire to feel very grateful for the health which we, with our little boy, are permitted to enjoy. Our English services are well attended, and we hope good is doing. We have recently had several pleasing instances among the soldiers, some of whom are proposed as candidates for communion. You will be grieved to hear, in addition to the death of Mr. Skinner, the death also of Dr. Milne, Mrs. Ince, Mrs. Collie, and Mr. Nicholson, information of which, I suppose, you have received. These are solemn calls to us, who are in the vineyard. May we not hear the call in vain.

HIRAM CHAMBERS.

SOUTH SEA ISLANDS.
HUAHEINE.

Extract of a Letter from Messrs. Tyerman and Bennet; dated Huaheine, Jan. 21, 1822, by Captain Gambier, who called at that Island, and kindly offered to take Letters for England. IN our last letter we had to give you the melancholy news that Pomare is dead! This event had taken place just before we wrote. We hope that no serious injury to the mission w ll arise from this event. His son succeeds him-a child of about eighteen months of age.

After visiting, transiently, all the stations but one in Tahiti, a suitable opportunity being offered of coming down to these leeward islands, by the General Gates, we thought it best to embrace it. We have been here about six weeks. From hence we propose to proceed to Raiatea and Borabora; and then return to Tahiti, to make a longer stay there.

It affords us unspeakable pleasure to assure you, that all you have heard in England respecting the state of this mission, is far exceeded by the fact. Our hearts have been filled, and overflowing with joy and gratitude, while we

are perpetually exclaiming, What hath God wrought!

In Tahiti, Moorea (Eimeo) and this island, (all the islands which we have. yet seen) a profession of the gospel is universal. The prayer-meetings and the schools are surprisingly attended; the churches are flourishing; the morality of the people is unparalleled; and civilization is making rapid progress.

In the five missionary stations which we have seen, there is, of course, a difference in the aspect of things; but in all of them the glorious work appears to be going on well.

We are highly pleased with the missionaries; we have been delighted on perceiving them so well satisfied with their situations, and with the society. We have been much gratified with their decided piety, their fervent zeal, and their good talents. They are high in the esteem of the several congregations among whom they labour, and, in general, very happy among them.

Respecting the success of the cottonworks, we are doubtful, but hope to be. able to give you more decided opinion in a future communication.

Oh! what cause have you, and all our beloved friends, the supporters of the Missionary Society, to rejoice in the success with which it has pleased God to crown this mission. If you could but see what we have seen, not a heart would faint, not a hand would relax in exertion, not a discouraging thought would be entertained respecting the success of any similar undertaking.

Extracts of a Letter from G. Bennet, Esq. to his Nephew, Mr. E. M'Coy; dated Huaheine, Jan. 22, 1822.

I WROTE you and other friends letters a very short time ago by Capt. Riggs, who brought us to Huaheine, where we now are; in that letter I mentioned to you how delighted we are with the manners, character, piety, and progress in civilization of the inhabitants of Huaheine, as well as the Windward Islands (Tahiti and Eimeo) which we have left. I mentioned also how exceedingly comfortable we are with our pious and judicious and laborious missionary friends, Mr. Barff and Mr. Ellis, and their excellent wives.

We have just made the tour of this inexpressibly beautiful island; but it is the rainy season here, which prevented the examination of many natural curiosities, as well as recently destroyed idol temples; but these indeed abound, and we find almost every where a temple erected to Jehovah on the ruins thereof.

BERBICE. Extracts of a Letter from the Rev. J. Wray; dated Berbice, 25 Aug. 1822. A GOOD many old people seem to be seeking the salvation of their souls with their whole hearts; they come two or three times a week to me, or to Mrs. Wray, to receive instruction; but they hardly understand any English. I am often pleased with their conversation. A few days ago some of them spoke to the following effect:-"We lived like fools in the world; did not know any thing of God; but committed sin against him. Jésus Christ took our punishment upon him, that we might have new hearts. Jesus can cleanse us from all sin by his blood. We pray for a new heart and a new life."

On the 21st, old Torcba, a free woman who comes a considerable distance to chapel, said, "Fore-time they only teach us to work coffee and cotton; they no teach us about God. We foolish, like sheep; but now we learn about God. Fore-time we no know God; but now we know him. Fore-time me been fraid to sit in my house without a candle in the night; but me no fraid this time to sit in a dark room alone. Fore-time me fraid of Jumby; but me no fraid this time. God take all fraid from my heart. Me beg God for take away the old heart and give me a new one. Me pray to God every night, and every morning, and all day." She has indeed become a new creature in every sense of the word; old things are passed away, and all things are become new.

October 12. Last Sabbath four persons were admitted to the Lord's table. When they were proposed to the church, one of them in particular gave a very affecting account of what the Lord had done for her soul. She remarked, "that many things which she formerly did and thought they were good, she now finds were sinful in the sight of God. She spake of herself as a poor, lost, ignorant sinner; but that she trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation." A free woman was greatly affected with what she heard from her, and led to lament her own ignorance and darkness. She said the poor woman exactly spoke her own experience. Last Saturday evening we had an interesting meeting prepa ratory to the Lord's Supper. The new members declared that it was their determination, by the grace of God, to be the Lord's only. The husbands and wives stood up, and promised to the church that, by the grace of God, they would live as Christian husbands and wives in the world, and not separate as the heathen du.

DOMESTIC MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

The Society's Publications. THE following letter has been received from a very respectable friend in the country, who is deeply concerned to promote the best interests of the Society:

If,

"In one of the recent Chronicles, I observe, that reference is made to complaints in some quarters, of prodigality in the article of printing, and the Society seems to be charged with printing and issuing an undue and excessive quantity of Reports and papers of various kinds. It is possible that you may have laid yourself open to an imputation of this sort by sending more of your publications than were required in some places; but I can assure you that it is not the case with us, and that the quan tity sent has been by far too small, so that in apportioning the large and small Reports of the Society to the different congregations in our Auxiliary, I have felt considerable difficulty, and have had my fears of giving offence, from the small number it was in my power to send to each place-indeed, in some instauces I could not afford to send a single copy of the large Report. therefore, you could take, in future years, from those places which have been de luged with them, 40 or 50 additional copies to bestow upon us, I am sure they will be very acceptable. One thing which may here contribute to raise this outcry, I must beg leave to mention, as a fact very well known to me, when Reports have been sent for a town or congregation, instead of being speedily distributed amongst the subscribers, or those likely to become such-they have been suffered to lie neglected in a corner, and when they have been discovered at the expiration of a year or two, there is an exclamation against the profligacy of our great public Institutions, which spend so much money in printing more Reports than are wanted; whereas the waste is attributable to those who have so little consideration, or so little zeal, that they could not be at the trifling pains to put them into circulation."