Brother Page is subjected to by men who call themselves Christians. I should have said that Dhamshar, where this marriage took place, is distant eight hours from Barisal; hence the necessity of changing the dates, for one could not attend to his office duties, and be thereafter at a place eight hours' distant in time for a wedding the same day.

Our stay these four days in Barisal was far from being in vain. We saw much of the kind of life Brother Page has had to lead among his people, and the battles he has had to fight on their behalf. One day also we were confined to the judge's cutcherry by an incessant rain. The judge was unable to come owing to a slight illness, and so we were at liberty to speak to the multitude assembled as witnesses, &c., and, better than all, secured an audience of a class of people never to be had in the bazars-the omlahs, vakeels, and other respectable employees of the Court. For nearly two hours one of us addressed them, only interrupted by relevant questions, and we felt truly thankful for this unexpected opportunity of conveying to so many the gospel of God. The detention gave us also the opportunity of much delightful intercourse with the missionaries and their dear families, whose kind and loving hospitality it would be difficult to speak of too highly.

CHARACTER OF THE NATIVE CHRISTIANS.

Once loosed from the Court, we were quickly under weigh to accompany Messrs. Page and Martin to some of the out-stations. We visited nine of them, of which the largest were Ashkor, Chhobikar Par, and Digalia, and had the best opportunities our limited time afforded of seeing and conversing with the people, and of forming an opinion of their general character. That opinion is a most favourable one; and again and again we lifted up our hearts in gratitude to the Great Shepherd for His kindness to these poor sheep in the wilderness. One think struck us most forcibly-the fact that these Churches, embracing upwards of 600 baptized Christians, and adherents to the number of 3000, are all to be found in small villages surrounded by water eight months of the year, whilst the many places we passed on our way thither and back, so accessible from the capital, are bound to their idols and in the darkness of heathendom. Another thing which struck us very much was the purity of the Bengali spoken by the Christians, as compared with other parts of the community in the district-a circumstance to be ascribed in some to the perusal of the Bengali Scriptures, and in the majority to the teaching they receive therefrom day after day.

But in connection with the Christians themselves, the most surprising thing was their intimacy with Christian doctrine, with the life of our Lord and Saviour, and generally with Scripture history. How so much light can have entered their minds the minds of so many-when we reflect that they have not the organization of Sunday schools and Bible classes, which makes our churches at home what they are, is indeed wonderful. Persecution has made them search into the right or the wrong of the Christian and Hindoo faiths, and has given them an evident delight in the sustaining influences of the religion they have espoused. But independently of this, there must have been much diligent teaching on the part of the missionary and his native assistants, and much constant attention on the part of the converts, coupled with the blessing of the Holy Spirit, whose work is so unmistakeably visible throughout the churches. From what I have heard of the district in relation to times past, and what I have just seen, it is clear that the Backergunge churches are rapidly growing in knowledge and grace.

CAUSES OF SUCCESS.

The last day of our short sojourn there let us somewhat into the secret of the success of this mission. In the morning we had a meeting with nearly all the native preachers, and had much conversation with them on different subjects, regarding their own spiritual experience, their knowledge of the Scriptures, the prevailing errors of the people, church discipline, &c., &c., upon all of which we found them very well informed. They are a humble class of men, with a modest opinion of

their own capabilities, and an edifying dependence upon God's Spirit-in short every way fitted for the work of the district. They have a monthly meeting with Brother Page, when subjects are considered for their Sunday's teaching, thus securing a uniformity, and a high standard of instruction throughout the mission. Perfect harmony seemed to mark their intercourse with each otherall seemed happy to meet, and sorry in the same measure to part. In the afternoon we united in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, when Brother Page addressed us. You know how he speaks, so I need not attempt to tell you the effect of his address. It is enough to say that his power in Bengali is even greater than in English, and his love to our Great Master is the spring of all. That is conspicuous in everything he says and does-hence his power and his

success.

It was with no little sorrow we took our leave of these dear friends on the 27th of the month. We had spent each day in Brother Page's boat, where we had enjoyed, in addition to his kind hospitality, much pleasing intercourse with him and Brother Martin; and I believe our visit was as much a pleasure to these beloved brethren as it was to ourselves. As we pushed off in the moonlight, many were the salaams we received from the preachers and others congregated on the bank, and Brother Page's voice was the last we heard, ringing out a fond "Good bye" fromthe top of his own boat.

Our return journey was made much more rapidly than the journey out, but with the exception of two days we managed to find work at some point or other, and we arrived in Calcutta late on the night of the 1st of September.

HOW MISSIONARIES PREACH.

BY THE REV. J. WILLIAMSON.

Perhaps you would like to hear what we say, in our addresses to the Heathen, and what they say to us in reply. It is not a little encouraging to perceive an increasing interest on their part, towards the gospel of true salvation. Fewer replies are now made, and when objections are brought forward, it is generally in a milder spirit than formerly.

In our addresses, we endeavour to shew them their errors, their sins, and perishing condition, together with the way of salvation through a great mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is God in human nature, holy, harmless, and separate from sinners; who has wrought out a perfect righteousness for us, and made a full atonement for our sins. That we are saved by faith in him, and not by our own righteousness. That God requires of us, in addition to faith in his Son, repentance of our sins, and a holy life. That he is ONE only. That he is a SPIRIT, and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth. That he requires the heart, supreme love to himself, love to our neighbour as to ourselves. That he dwelleth not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with man's hands, as though he needed anything. That the worship of idols is a great sin, and destructive to all who persevere in it. That trusting in our own righteousness is fatal to our salvation, which can be expected only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The objections usually offered are chiefly the following:

1st. The gods have different bodies, but only one spirit. In worshipping many gods, therefore, we, in reality, worship only one God.

2nd. No blame can be attached to the gods, who were above all law, and who did all they did by way of amusement.

3rd.—God has given different religions to different nations. Your religion is good for you, and our religion for us. The wise amongst us meditate on the Supreme Being, the common people worship idols.

4th. Our religion has been established for ages; yours is only an upstart of modern times. Who ever heard of Jesus Christ until lately? Can we believe that the true religion could have been so long hid from us?

5th. Is it likely that you only know the truth, while all our learned men have been ignorant of it? 6th.-God must be the author of sin, according to the couplet, "I know what is good, but do it not; I know what is evil, but do it; because I must do whatever he appoints me who is situated in my heart." If God is not the author of sin, then who created it, and shewed it to men? I cannot sin against my will; who, in that case, makes me sin?

7th. Jesus Christ cursed a fig tree without any adequate cause. He was put to

death as a malefactor.

8th.-The Mussulmans say he was not put to death at all, but another like him, whom the Jews, being deceived by God, mistook for him. They also say that Mohammed was foretold by Jesus when he promised to send the Holy Ghost.

These objections have often been answered, but, apparently, in vain, like the cleft air and water, returning to their former state. The word and spirit of God are necessary, and will ultimately prevail.

THE WORK OF GOD IN DELHI.

BY THE REV. JAMES SMITH.

I am getting fairly settled down to work again, and begin to feel some hope that the Lord will smile on the scattered churches of Delhi.

I have commenced my daily service in the Chandni Chouk as before, and find great advantages connected with a daily stated service in the same place. The congregations are not what they once were, but they are improving, and will gradually I hope gather up again.

On Monday morning I went to Delhi Durwaza, where I have replaced Collins, the preacher I left there when I went to Australia. About thirty gathered in the straw verandah of one of our Christian's houses, and it was a time of refreshing to me. We sang the old songs of Zion, in which we had so often joined in times past, and then united in thanksgiving to him who had protected us since we had last met in Delhi. The place appears very hopeful, and I trust soon to see most of our old people restored to the church and its privileges. Two men came to my house who were enquirers before I left, and declared their intention of giving themselves to the Lord and his people.

I have been this morning to Teluja Wara and Sudder Bazar, where I have engaged a large room for another native reader and his son (Mansukh Ray), and in two or three days I hope to see them fairly at work among the scattered people here, who were (many of them) long hopeful enquirers, and among whom I spent a great deal of labour. I visited many of them, and spoke to little bands of from 6 to 12, in different places. They said they were glad to see me back, and would send their children to learn to read, as well as make an effort to do the same themselves. In these plans it is the agent's duty to go among them, and spend half an hour each with families who will receive him, talking with them, reading the Scriptures or tracts, and where there is a desire, giving lessons in reading. I hope soon to have Delhi studded over with little stations which I shall try to make stars, giving light (if it be but a glimmering) to the surrounding people who dwell in darkness: for I am of opinion that a star (be it ever so small) is better than no light.

Our Chapel is getting fast on, and will, I hope, be ready to open in January. It is a very nice building, and will, I suppose, hold 500 natives. The situation is excellent: very central and very public. Our friend Mr. Parry has labored

hard at it, and he tells me he will be about £200 short. I should be sorry for us to be burdened with a debt. The soldiers in good numbers attend our evening services, and when we get into the new building, they are likely to increase. shall have a hard struggle for funds for native preachers for a little time, until my communications with friends are recommenced. Can you stir up our young friends a little to help us?

PERILS AMONG THE HEATHEN.

BY THE REV. J. FULLER, OF CAMEROONS.

It is with feelings of deep gratitude to our good and gracious God that I have to record another manifestation of divine interposition, by saving us all from being burnt to death. We have truly to acknowledge the merciful providence by which we were saved.

On the morning of the 18th October, somewhat about 2 o'clock, a fire was discovered in the house, and just at a place that, but for this mercifuli nterposition, five minutes would have set the whole premises on fire. It was discovered thus. Mr. Smith being ill all day with fever, felt both restless and thirsty. Asking Mrs. S. to give him something to allay his thirst, she rose and tried to get a light, but not a match would strike. Moving from that part of the room (as our wise and heavenly Father would have it) to get a fresh box, she saw a light just over the shop gate, or the place where all the roofs of the buildings meet. Five yards from the spot is the roof of our old chapel, in the same range is that of my little cottage, and it was placed so that it would reach the big house in less than two minutes. At first she thought it was only a light, but looking closely she found it was something more. Fearing to frighten Mr. S., she gathered courage to ask him to look. The flame was just making its way upwards, and in five minutes would have enveloped all the children in the flames, who were sleeping just a few yards off. My dear wife heard the noise, and awoke me, which was soon followed by the bell, and in a few minutes we got the fire out. Our brother Smith for the moment seemed so strong, that when I got to the spot, I found him tearing the mats and beating down the flame; but mercifully for us there was no wind, or no one can imagine what would have been the result. It could not have been set on fire more than three minutes before it was discovered.

The next day we found on our beach the torch with which the malicious deed was done, fastened to a pole, so as to reach the roof. The person must either have been on the beach, or mixed up in the crowd while the fire was being put out; for we can think of nothing else but that it was done in order to plunder the premises, as we learn that some one tried at the door whilst we were busy with the fire, but the doors were all fastened.

On Saturday, 20th, we had a meeting of all the missionaries and traders in the river, the two kings, and a few of the chiefs, to enquire into it. As we could put it on no particular person, after hearing and examining the place, a large reward was voted to any one who could give at any time a positive evidence of a party or parties that did the wicked deed.

Truly we can say, "The Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him;" and although we do not feel that we are out of danger, yet being assured that "not a hair of your head falleth to the ground without His notice," we rejoice in the assurance of the Psalmist, that, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about them that fear him." After the fire was out, we were so struck with the wonderful way by which we were delivered, that in tears we all knelt and rendered our humble thanks, and I believe we prayed indeed.

Mrs. Smith has been very ill since, and so bad that we had to call for the aid of the doctor on board of a vessel here, but we are happy to say she is getting round again. We do pray that she may be spared to her dear husband.

We are still happy in our work, and although so much darkness has gathered

round us, yet our good God has not left us without tokens of his continued favour. At the new station we are encouraged to hope good things, and the people seem interested in what is being done; they seem to love the young man have got; he works now as a carpenter, at 2s. 6d. per day; but I am pleased to see him take such interest in the children; and he has a regular service on the Sabbath for the adults. I cross the water every day, and am using all my efforts to get the place done so as to open the school before the end of the year, or just at the commencement of the next.

THE REV. T. EVANS OF DELHI IN WALES.

(ABRIDGED FROM Seren Cynwr).

On Christmas day, thousands of the people of Aberdare had the privilege of meeting our warmhearted countryman, and our esteemed brother, the Rev. Thos. Evans of Delhi, with his wife and child. They came to Aberdare on Thursday evening, Dec. 24th. On the Friday-being Christmas day-they visited the great annual gathering of the Sunday Schools of Aberdare assembled in their Eisteddfod, in the Great Hall. The missionary and his family were greeted with three hearty Welsh cheers, which resounded through the large building. Mr. Evans then gave a short address in Welsh, which at once endeared him to all present. Mr. and Mrs. Evans also kindly sang one of the plaintive hymns sung by the Hindoo Christians in India.

The ministers and churches of Aberdare had made previous arrangements for a series of meetings to welcome the missionary to his native land-and at the same time to put forth an extra effort to help the Society in the present difficulty. These meetings had been so arranged that all the friends of the cause might come and see and hear Mr. Evans.

The first meeting took place at Dr. Price's chapel, Dec. 25. This is the centre of the district. The meeting was announced to commence at seven o'clock; but such was the excitement and anxiety to secure room, that the chapel had to be opened soon after five o'clock. Long before seven the large building was literally crammed with people. Mr. Evans was furnished with a very large map of India, well adapted to help in a public lecture, also several idols and pictures of gods. The Band of Faith-a juvenile choir-had prepared several pieces of music suitable to the occasion, which they sang in excellent spirit. The chair was taken by Dr. Price, precisely at seven o'clock. We were glad to see him surrounded by the following ministers :-T. Nickolas, Aberamon; T. Davies, Herwaun; T. John, Ynyslwyd; M. Davies, Cwmdare; D. Adams, J. Jones; Abercwmbaye; J. B. Howells, Mountainash; W. Roberts, and R. Davies. Indeed all the ministerial brethren of the parish had put aside all other engagements for the purpose of giving a hearty welcome to the missionary, and at the same time to shew confidence in, and sympathy with the Missionary Society.

After prayer and singing, two short addresses were delivered by brethren Nickolas and Roberts, when the Chairman said that it had been his privilege to bring Mr. Evans before the Welsh public through the press, when he was enabled to publish those valuable letters of the missionary from Muttra, Agra, and Delhi; but now he had the pleasure of personally introducing him to their notice.

Mr. Evans took for his subject at this meeting, “India as a missionary fieldthe obstacles met with by the missionary-and the encouragements to labour for Christ." This was a masterly lecture upon India as a field for missions. The picture had its shadows, shadows dark and gloomy, but it had its light shades also.

At the end of a two hours' address, Mr. Evans had thoroughly convinced the vast assembly that India was to be won for Christ—that India was to be one of the pearls that is to adorn the Crown of our Redeemer. Mr. Evans had, by his Welsh fire, genuine Christian zeal, and his extensive knowledge of the subject