yond what tongue can tell. Along this coast from that time to this some effort has been made to spread the gospel; nor have there been wanted encouraging instances of success. Still it is grievous to remember how few and fitful those efforts have been; how unutterably inadequate to the field; and how unreasonable it was to hope that by such means a whole land could be enlightened.

Unhappy land, whence shall your deliverance arise! Are there none to pity thee-none who shall not count their lives dear unto themselves, so that they may win thee to Christ?......We kept on our way with the coast full in view, till night closed upon us; but scarcely was it dark ere the first glimmering of Akhyob light-house appeared right ahead. Our skilful captain piloted us safely amidst rocks and islets, till we entered the harbour, and dropped anchor an hour before midnight off Akhyob. A scene so romantic and beautiful was scarcely ever beheld. Under any circumstances the scenery is beautiful: the numberless green islands, bold promontaries, bluff rocks of all imaginable forms, and the pretty town, with its white buildings, studding the borders of the peaceful bay, present no common assemblage of agreeable objects. But there was an additional charm to-night. The lighthouse stands on an isolated rock of fantastic shape, and a great height, (our captain said two hundred feet; but this seems an exaggeration) however, it is a remarkable object, -and as we entered the bay, the moon rose most majestically immediately behind this rock, and threw her gradually-increasing splendour over all the fairy scene. No soul on board could be so sottish as not to won. der and admire.

We were too late to go on shore; but by sunrise, a note which I contrived to send, brought on board our brethren Stillson and Burpe. Gladly did we accept their invitation to breakfast, and exchange, though it were but a hasty greeting with our friends on shore. Brother Stillson and his wife and four children, it soon appeared, were preparing to accompany us on our way to Maulmein; and as our vessel was to leave at eleven o'clock, their hands were full of labour, and their hearts of care. Our vessel, too, brought them letters from America from dear Abbott and others, which did not under their circumstances much lighten their burden. For ourselves, we were glad to touch the soil of Arrakan, and hastened ou with brother Burpè to the mission bungalow. Here was a new scene for an Orissa misionary.

The bungalow itself, a different build. ing to any we have in India, is elevated on posts some five or six feet high; the frame of wood with glass sashes; the walls of split bamboo; the roof thatched, with an inner roof of cloth; while the books and furniture

generally spoke of America. The outbuildings too were to me peculiar-similar to the houses, but more fragile, and appa. rently very liable to take fire. The complexion, features, dress, and I had almost said undress, of the females, proclaimed that we were among a new race. The language too was to me unknown; and so we felt the strange sensation of being old missionaries as helpless as new arrivals. Even Hindoosthanee, when we heard it occasionally, seemed to us almost like our mother tongue compared with the peculiar tone and sounds of the Arrakanese. I ought, however, to except Mrs. Sutton, for she seemed like one awaking from a dream, and striving to call back old familiar facts. One word after another came to her, until she found she could hold a broken conversation with some of the old converts. But our short visit too rapidly hastened to a close: we sung, and read, and prayed with brother and sister Burpè-took from them their fellow labourers, and hastened on board. But it was with a hope of sending back a brother to occupy brother Stillsons's post. May the best of blessings rest on our dear brother and sister! Heartily do we wish that they may be but a sample of many to be sent out by the New Brunswick churches.

On Thursday morning we anchored off Kyouk-Phoo, or white stone,' a splendid harbour; scenery resembling the western side of the bay; but bungalows different. Thugs, Chinamen, Mussalmans, and Bengales, form the principal part of our visitors from the shore, not overlooking however our Anglo-Saxon race, some ten or twelve of whom flocked on board in the snug boat with white cloth awning; while on the shore we descryed horses, hounds, and a tandem. The clergyman too came on board with a sick passenger. He was evidently bitten with the new mania. Kyouk-Phoo did not impress me favourably. It is low and redolent of malaria. Nor does there appear to be any considerable native population. Excepting as an English station it might well be passed by. Brother Stillson, however, pointed out the ruins of the mission bungalow; and I thought with sadness of dear Comstock, whom I knew; his beloved wife; and Brookline, with the esteemed friends there; of Mr. and Mrs. Hall, whom I knew not; of Abbot and his wife. But what we know not now, we shall know hereafter.

Friday and Saturday, pursued our way steadily along the coast. The weather fine; the sea breeze delightfully invigorating, especially to my dear wife, and we could not but be thankful to find so salutary a change from the heat of the Indian shore, though in the middle of April.

(To be continued.)

To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository.

DEAR SIR,-The following brief obituary of our late pastor, the Rev. Charles Mills, appeared in the Baptist Record for November last; and believing it will be interesting to your readers generally, and most deeply so to those who knew him, I forward it, with one

or two slight alterations and additions, for insertion. To us, as a church, his removal by death was a loss: his talents gave promise

of much usefulness: but while we feel the stroke, we mourn him not, for to him it is gain.' So far as he followed Christ, may we follow him; and when our course is finished, may we meet him in the Spirit land.' I am, yours sincerely,

A.

Bourn, January, 1847. THE Rev. Charles Mills was born in Oxford Street, London, in April 1812. His father was a man of sterling piety, a member of one of the Baptist churches in the metropolis; and the care evinced by him, and also by a pious mother, in the healthy influence exercised over their son, and the lessons of wisdom and piety taught by them, was blessed of God. Our departed friend often referred to his early training, and the pious example set before him, as having been the means, not only of preserving him from those gross immoralities into which so many fall, but also of deeply VOL. 9.-N. S.

N

impressing his mind concerning the necessity of vital godliness. When he was fifteen years of age, his father was removed by death; and a design which had been entertained of his studying for the law was abandoned. He was placed with Mr. Hoskins of Camberwell, and was much indebted to that excellent man, for the care and attention paid to his best interests. In his twentieth year he became decided for God; and being desirous of usefulness, he offered himself to the committee of the British and Foreign School Society, was accepted, and sent by them to Great Torrington, Devon. Here he publicly confessed Christ, and was baptized by the Rev. T. Pulsford. From thence he removed to a school at St. Austell, Cornwall; and from thence, recommended to the Stephney college committee, by the Revds. Pulsford and Clark, of Truro, he entered that institution in December, 1836. During his residence there, he was diligent in his studies, and devoted to his Redeemer's cause; he was greatly beloved by his brethren, and was known as a man of piety and application. In 1840 he accepted an

invitation to settle at Upwell, in Norfolk. Here he continued till 1842, when, much to the regret of the friends at Upwell, among whom his labours had been very useful, he removed to Bourne, in Lincolnshire, and entered upon the pastorate of the General Baptist church there. A few days previous to his ordination, he went to Spalding, to preach missionary sermons; and returned home in an open conveyance very early on Monday morning; a cold then caught, issued in inflamation of the lungs, from which he never recovered. He was very ill at the time of his ordination, and preached only twice afterwards previously to his going to London for medical advice. In conformity with that advice, he tried change of climate, and went to the south of France and Italy. After more than eighteen months absence, he returned to his beloved flock at Bourne, in October, 1845. He preached only four times. The first sermon was from Psalm xxxiv. 3, 'O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.' The second from Matt. vii. 7, 'Ask and it shall be given you.' The third from Phil. i. 27, Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.' And the last from 2 Cor. v. 8, Willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.' That service will not soon be forgotten. Mr. M. spoke as a dying man to dying men; and now doubtless is realizing in the full extent the happiness and glory of being present

with the Lord.' Nor will the church at Bourne, soon forget the last time he presided at the table of the Lord: it was indeed a solemn season, and with feelings deep and hallowed they sung,

Ye saints below, and hosts of heaven,
Join all your praising powers;
No theme is like redeeming love,

No Saviour is like ours.

He returned to London soon after

this; and writing to a brother in the ministry, he says, 'I was overwhelmed by the kindness and affection of the friends at Bourne; but my work is done, and I have returned to London to die.' During the remaining period of life he suffered much, but his mind was kept in perfect peace, stayed on his God. He bowed to all his Father's will, and often spoke to his friends of the supports which he experienced, and the consolations he enjoyed. On the 28th of May, 1846, he was down stairs all day as usual, and retired to rest at half-past nine o'clock. Soon afterwards a great change was felt and seen. When informed he was dying, he expressed thankfulness for the information, adding with much energy, 'I do not fear death.' He then joined in prayer with his beloved family. After this, he asked for a draught of water; receiving it, he thanked the friend who gave it, and said, 'O for that living water of which the Saviour spake. I shall soon rise superior to pain and sorrow for ever.' He then affectionately addressed his friends by name, and concluded by saying, in a transport of joy, 'My heavenly Father is not far off.' These were his last words. He said no more; but

Joy through his swimming eyes did break, And meant the thanks he could not speak.'

At half-past three o'clock on the morning of the 29th of May, his happy spirit was released, and entered on that rest which remains for the

people of God. His remains were deposited in the vaults of the Norwood cemetery chapel, on Thursday, June 11th, 1846.

Blessed be God for that gospel which brings life and immortality to light. May all who read this sketch, be interested in its blessings, partake of its hopes, gilded as they are with immortality, and realize its consumation, even life everlasting. Amen.

The

THE epistle to the Hebrews is an inspired commentary on the Levitical economy. It is at once pre-eminently argumentative and practical. inspired writer expatiates on the glory and the mediation of Christ; and proves that his priesthood was superior to that of Aaron; and his position in the house of God a more honourable and important one than that of Moses. He also clearly establishes the transitory and typical character of the ancient dispensation; and shows how its sacrificial rites, which in themselves could have no efficacy, prefigured that sacrifice of intrinsic and deathless efficacy which was offered by Christ for the sins of the world. Some of the most important texts from the Old Testament scripture are adduced in confirmation of these several positions, and in every instance the reader is impressively reminded of the important practical bearing of the truths delivered. Henry Martyn remarked of this epistle, that before his conversion it was to him the most uninteresting portion of scripture, but that after he knew the Lord it was more precious and profitable than any other part of the inspired word. Many who love the Saviour may feel unable fully to adopt his language, yet it will be admitted by all who have studied it with earnest prayer for the soul-illuminating influences of the Divine Spirit, that it is an invaluable portion of holy writ; and by none will this persuation be so deeply felt as by those who have investigated its meaning most carefully and prayed over it most frequently. It is truly a rich mine of gospel truth, but we must dig deep and labour hard if we would find all its precious ore. In the verses at the head of this paper, the inspired writer places the privileged condition of believers in striking contrast with the state of those who were under the law. He

tells the believing Hebrews that they had not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto the blackness and darkness and tempest;' that they had not witnessed that scene of awful grandeur which led Moses, accustomed though he was to Divine manifestations, to say, 'I exceedingly fear and quake.' 'But,' he says, 'ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem; and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.' Let us meditate a little on the precious privileges here enumerated; and may it be given us by experience to know their fulness and joy.

1. Ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,' How dear was mount Zion! how interesting was Jerusalem to the pious Israelites! It was the place where their fathers had worshipped God. It was the scene of the splendid temple service. Events of deep importance in their national history had occurred within the precincts of the holy city. The prophetic harp had there been strung and tuned; and poets, divinely in spired, sung of undying truths affecting the whole family of man. lived in their fondest recollections, and was endeared to them by a thousand tender and sacred associations. As an illustration we may refer to the 137th Psalm-a Psalm which surely no one endowed with ordinary sensibility can read without tears. We have often admired its tender and plaintive strains, and its inimitable touches of nature. By the rivers of

Zion

Babylon there we sat down; yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.' They tell us not that they wept when they thought of the peaceful homes from which they had been taken, or when they remembered the domestic and social enjoyments of which they had been deprived, though it has been elegantly said,

No.

'Of joys departed, not to be recal'd,
How painful the remembrance!'

'They wept when they remembered Zion.' And so deep was their sorrow that they were not able to use their harps, which in happier scenes had been employed in celebrating the praises of Jehovah; but they were not willing to break them, for the hope of better days had not departed, and therefore they suspended them on the willows that abounded on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates. banks of the Tigris and Euphrates. Sitting, and with streaming eyes looking at their harps, and thinking of Zion, their oppressors, who had heard them speak of Zion, tauntingly say, Sing us one of the songs of Zion; but they cannot sing; their hearts are surcharged with grief, and they are captives in a strange land; but one of them, as the mouth of the rest, bursts into this impassioned language, If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.' So dear was Jerusalem to the pious Israelites; and much more dear is the Jerusalem which is above,' to us, if we are truly the Lord's. It is our home. Our Father is there. Our elder brother is there. Our best friends are there. All that as christians we love is in heaven, or is tending to that blessed

abode.

'Jerusalem, my happy home,

Name ever dear to me; When shall my labours have an end,

And I thy glory see.'

That blissful day when we shall enter the new Jerusalem will surely come :

it may be much nearer than we anticipate; but at farthest it cannot be very distant. Then, in a nobler and more important sense, will be fulfilled the saying, 'Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.' Brethren, let us meditate more frequently and believingly on the everlasting home of the faithful. Let us day by day, by holy contemplation, walk up and down the streets of the heavenly Jerusalem; and with Doddridge let us indulge and rejoice in the hope that Through the mercy of God in Christ we may be within a few days of heaven.'

2. Ye are come......to an innumerable company of angels;' literally, to myriads of angels.' Luther remarks, that we know little about angels, except that they sing in heaven, and minister upon earth: but somewhat more than this is clearly taught us in the word of God. We

learn that there are different orders of

angels, expressed by the phrases, thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers.' We learn, moreover, that they are spiritual beings; that they are high in dignity; mighty in power; vast in capacity; perfect in knowledge and holiness; and that they find their highest happiness in cheerful obedience to the Divine will. The deep interest they have ever felt in the grand designs of redeeming grace is often adverted to in holy scripture, 'They desire,' as Peter says, "to look into these things,'-1 Pet. i. 12. The critical reader is aware that it may be rendered-they stoop down to look into these things,' the same word being used in the original as is found in Luke xxiv. 12, and John xx. 5 and 11. It is strikingly expressive of the deep humility and intense earnestness with which they study the mysterious wonders of that love which Gethsemane and Calvary unfolded. They bend from their elevated and blissful seats that they may see more and more of its glories. Nor is the conversion of a sinner from the error