Secretaries of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions: Our Ahmednuggur brethren had informed us, while in London, of their intention to ordain these well-known converted brahmins, and also that they had concluded to defer the ordination till our arrival. Our first endeavor, on reaching this place, was to procure their consecration as pastors, rather than as mere evangelists. It would seem that the native minister is more likely to work satisfactorily to himself and to his missionary brethren in the former relation, than in the latter. Besides, the church in Ahmednuggur, consisting of one hundred and twenty-eight members, needed a native pastor; and there were strong reasons in favor of a colony from this church, to form a second church in another part of the city. Both of these men, moreover, were better suited to pastoral labors in the city than in the country. You will remember Mr. Ballantine's very interesting account of Haripunt's conversion in the Missionary Herald for 1840, pp. 263–273. The Herald for 1843, pp. 51, 52, contains an account of the conversion of Ramkrishnapunt. They were both brahmins of high rank, and young men of extraordinary promise, and have ever been so regarded by the mission. It was decided to make the former pastor of the old church; and to make the latter, who is the younger of the two, and the more popular preacher, pastor of the new church. Mr. Thompson and myself were present when the matter was privately explained to the candidates and we were greatly pleased with their apparent humility and their intelligence. Twelve persons were selected for the colony, two-thirds of them men; and a good-looking company they were, when they came together on Monday for a public recognition as a church of Christ. That day was second in interest only to the following Wednesday. At the hour of three in the afternoon, we found a goodly number collected in the chapel. It soon appeared that the comparatively numerous body of men which we noticed on the left of the pulpit, were the brethren who were to remain in the old church; and that the little company on the right, including Ramkrishnapunt and his interesting wife, were the band selected for the new enterprise. Every thing was done in order, under the superintendence of Messrs. Ballantine and Hazen, resident missionaries at the station. First, the brethren on the left voted to dismiss their brethren and sisters on the right; and, having done this, they proceeded to elect Haripunt for their pastor, and to choose a couple of deacons. The colony then voted to organize itself into a distinct church of Christ, and gave public assent to a confession of faith and a covenant, the same with those of the mother church; and when thus ready for action, they elected Ramkrishnapunt for their pastor, and two of their number for deacons. I then gave to both churches, through their elected pastors, the right hand of fellowship, in behalf of all the churches of Christ in our several missions, and of our extended connection of churches in the United States of America. Mr. Ballantine interpreted. He had previously explained to the new church their peculiar privileges and responsibilities. Two appropriate hymns were sung with much spirit from Mr. Ballantine's popular Mahratta versions of some three hundred, or more, of the best hymns in our language. Tuesday afternoon we had another meeting for a public examination of the candidates, preparatory to their ordination. At three o'clock, the fine-toned and unusually large bell of the chapel sounded its sweet notes over the greater part of Ahmednuggur; and the house was soon nearly full of native people, clad in their best dresses. The candidates gave each an extended relation of his Christian experience, and of the way in which he had been led to consecrate himself to the ministry of the gospel. This they will write out for us. Enough of their examination in doctrines was translated to enable us to bear favorable testimony to their fitness for the work in respect to knowledge; and there could be no doubt of their having a call of God to the ministry. They were ordained by the Ahmednuggur mission, as such, acting under the commission, "Go, preach the gospel," etc.; which necessarily involves the power to gather and organize churches from among the converts, and to ordain pastors over them. The members of the missions and the Deputation, providentially present at the time, were requested to render aid. It was among the highest privileges of our lives to be here at the ordination of these two men, as the first native pastors on this side of India, and to assist in the services. This season of the year in the Deccan is generally delightful, usually mild, and sometimes warm at midday, with mornings and evenings requiring a woolen garment. The afternoon of Wednesday allowed all the doors and windows of the chapel to be open, and the house was crowded without discomfort. A few English people of respectability were present, and sat with the ladies of the mission in chairs facing the pulpit, in the aisle which runs through the middle of the chapel along its whole extent. But the larger part of the audience was native, including several men connected with the government, who may, for aught that I know, be intellectually convinced of the folly of paganism, but stand yet aloof from a Christian profession. The two candidates wore white turbans, and a becoming white cotton dress reaching below the knees, leaving the neck, ankles and feet bare, after the manner of the country. The services were of course in the Mahratta language; the "right hand of in the ed that pulst, mpany bast Super ation On the and se of bat He nd fellowship" and "charge," which Mr. Thompson and I delivered in English, having been translated. The sermon was by Mr. Ballantine; the ordaining prayer by Mr. Wilder; and the address to the people by Mr. Bowen. Other brief services were performed by Messrs. Fairbank and Bissell, and by the two native brethren; while the congregation sang, in familiar tunes, versions of the hymns commencing, "Go preach my gospel," "How beauteous are their feet," and "Glorious things of thee are spoken." The audience appeared seriously impressed, when they saw the two pastors elect kneeling on either side of him who made the ordaining prayer, with the hands of the presbytery laid upon their heads. Though the house was crowded, and many of course were heathen, but few left during the two hours and a quarter occupied by the meeting. As the evening twilight was coming on, I resorted to my favorite retirement on the flat roof of Mr. Ballantine's house. During the day, the prospect from thence is extensive and beautiful; but now surrounding nature was sinking into the peculiar softness and repose of a tropical evening. There in the balmy air, alone, I reflected on the (to me) novel transactions of the past three days. What should prevent the multiplying of such scenes over the wide and populous plains of India? What could prevent it, with the ordinary blessing of heaven, were preachers only at hand to pioneer the way, break ground, and sow the good seed; and, when there are converts, gather them into churches, and ordain pastors over them? Indeed, the development of the native preaching and pastoral talent seems to be the chief work of missions in this land. Such, I believe, will be the grand effort of our missions in the Deccan. I remain, dear brethren, most truly yours, THIS missionary brother has sent home a number of extracts from his journal, extending through a period of about four months. Some of these will be found below. The nature of the work which the American Board has undertaken in West Africa, will appear more fully from such communications, perhaps, than from a more formal narrative. Obstacles and hinderances are here described just as they seem to the missionary when they cross his path. Annual Meeting remembered. throne of grace in behalf of that Board, which has our entire confidence and warmest affections. Next day Mr. Bushnell preached in three Bakělě towns, and "was much gratified with the good attention" which was given to the Word. An interesting Day. On the following day, Messrs. Bushnell and Herrick made a missionary excursion up the Bâkwě. 14. We were impressed with the fact that the population must formerly have been much more dense, on the Bâkwě, than it is at present. Native wars, superSeptember 12, 1854. Though we are stition, and the foreign slave trade, have almost buried alive in these African left only a miserable remnant of a once wilds, we have not forgotten that to-day numerous people. The Bakeles are fast the American Board commences its ses- leaving this river, through fear of their sion in Hartford. How much we should more numerous and powerful neighbors, love to be there! But though deprived who are descending from the interior. of this privilege, we are with you in Our head canoe-man formerly resided spirit, and find pleasure in going to a here; but having become involved in war with the Pangwes, he recently re-by on the other side of the river, while moved to Něngenenge. As we ascended we landed at the Pangwe town. the river, he pointed out to us the ruins We met with a civil reception. of his town, and also the place where Through an interpreter, we explained he attacked a Pangwe town in the still- to the Pangwes who we were; that we ness of the early morning, and killed were friends to all people alike, to them several of the inhabitants, causing those as well as to Bakelės, Shěkanis and who were spared to flee to the bush. Mpongwes. They reciprocated our He related to us these deeds of blood friendship in true African style. The without the least appearance of com- head-man, after expressing his pleasure punction; and when we reproved him, at seeing us, went and caught a fowl, his excuse was that the Pangwes had and gave it to us; and he also gave to first killed one of his people. each of us a piece of India-rubber gum, which his people are just learning to procure for commerce. He then set before us two dishes, one of boiled plantains, and the other unknown to us. Of the former we tasted; but we were satisfied to leave the other untasted. About twelve o'clock, we came in sight of a new Pangwe town, on the north side of the river. The inhabitants hailed us, and wished us to land; but we promised to call on our return, and passed by. Soon after, we heard a loud noise in the town, and saw many persons run- Leaving these interesting people, we ning, with weapons in their hands; and returned to our canoe, and exchanged presently two canoes were launched, and canoe-men, and started for our home. strong arms were propelling them in pur-Night soon overtook us; but as we rowed suit of us. Our canoe-man, who an hour down the river in darkness, we sang the before had boasted of his warlike ex- missionary hymn, and thought of the ploits, was now almost white with fear. great congregations of the friends of He said that these were the same people missions, who were probably in that hour upon whom he had made war, and that sitting around the Lord's table, and celethey recognized him, and were following brating his dying love in Hartford. As him to kill and eat him. He rowed for we thought of them, and of other Chrishis life, and entreated us to help him, tian friends, our hearts were filled with saying that, if we were overtaken, we gratitude, and we almost forgot our must fall victims to the rage of his ene-fatigue and our exposure to the damp mies, as well as himself. He evidently night air. thought that the day of vengeance had come. It was rather an exciting scene. But after following us a mile or two, the Pangwes gave up the chase; and we soon reached Makaka, a large Bakělě town, whither we were bound. The Highlands-Sabbath Labors. Two days later, Messrs. Bushnell and Herrick visited two other towns. 16. At the latter place, we walked to There we found a number of people, an eminence at some distance back of from whom we received a cordial wel- the town, where we had a finer view of come. We remained an hour or more, the Pangwe mountains on the north and making known to the head-men the east, than we have before seen. We nature of our mission, as best we could, could distinctly see three ranges rising and the simple truths of the gospel. But one above another; and the first range when we were ready to leave, our canoe- seemed so near, that I think with a spymen refused to accompany us. Having, glass we might have distinguished trees as they supposed, narrowly escaped from upon the western declivity. We 'imag death, they were unwilling to run the ined that we could almost feel their cool risk of making a supper for the Pangwes, breezes and bracing air. Oh, when shall on their return. What could we do? we be permitted to unfurl the banner of We had left our wives unprotected at Immanuel there! home; and they would be anxiously expecting us before sunset. The river was The succeeding day was the Sabbath. Mr. so narrow that there was no use in at- Bushnell preached early in the morning to the tempting to run past the Pangwe town; usual congregation at Nengenenge. He then and, furthermore, we had promised to crossed over to Dâkâ, and addressed "a large land there on our return. After some and attentive audience." Passing down to Shudelay, we employed the head-man of the ku, he found a larger congregation than usual. town, where we were, to accompany us Returning home, he rested an hour; after which with some of his people; and our men, he went up to Ngoma. "A larger number were in another canoe, followed us, and passed present, and the attention was better than usual." Next be preached to "a few" at Nkongo; and down; and we suppose that others will One horrid feature in African warfare is, that each member of a tribe is held Hence, when an attack is to be made, it responsible for the acts of all the others. is generally upon some innocent, unsuspecting persons, instead of the guilty, who are likely to be on the look-out. 17. After the service at Shuku was concluded, the head-man of the town repeated to his people, in an impressive manner, the principal truths which I had spoken, and urged them to give heed and believe. Then he gave them a lecture on keeping the Sabbath, and told them On the 26th of October, Mr. Bushnell made that next Sabbath I would see who were the following entry in his journal: "We are all disposed to be good by their presence. in the enjoyment of good health, and are pursuThis was truly encouraging, as hereto-ing our labors with increasing encouragement. fore this King has manifested some hos- Our preaching services are well attended; and tility to the gospel, and has seldom been the people listen to the truth with respect and present at our services. If he will only interest. Mrs. Bushuell has from the first instructpractice what he says to his people, and ed a few children at our house; but recently we will set them the example, his influence have completed our school-house; and now she will be most salutary; for he is one of has an interesting charge of twenty-five, eight of the most influential men in this region. whom are boarders. We might increase the number, if we had funds sufficient to support On the 22d of September, Mr. Bushnell wrote as follows: "The rainy season has commenced; and we shall have rain in abundance for seven months." Next day he preached in several places, and saw much to animate his "weak faith." On the succeeding Sabbath he had still greater encouragemen A Pangwe King-War. them." Habitations of Cruelty. The excitement of a residence at Nengenenge will appear from the following extract. 30. Last night, just after we had retired weary from the labors of the Sabbath, we were aroused by the report of a gun; October 2. I have received calls from and we found that there was much conan unusually large number of people; fusion in the town. Soon persons came and among them was Jiduma, a Pangwe running to our piazza, some requesting King, with his company, from up the to be taken in, and others begging us to Nkômâ. He is an old and venerable go and interfere, as a man had fired man, with a long, white beard. He a gun at one of his wives, whom he brought me a "dash" or present of two accused of infidelity; but as she had fowls and two bunches of plantains. He escaped, he was roving through the manifested much interest in every thing street, threatening to kill some one else, he saw; and when Mrs. Bushnell played unless his wife was found and given on her melodeon, his wonder was great. up. After a while the wife was caught He appears to be friendly, and possessed and returned to her enraged husband, of considerable dignity and influence. who would perhaps have taken her life, Perhaps his town may be the next place had not we interfered. In the night our for a missionary station, as we advance ears were pained with her screaming. interiorward. Soon after sunrise we saw four large 5. The war is re-commenced with the canoes, with flags flying, drums beating, Pangwes. Some notice of it was given and war horns blowing, coming down in the August Herald. We had hoped the Nkâmâ. It was a war party from that it was at an end, as several months Shuku, a neighboring town, which had have passed by since any one was killed been sent by the head man to recover a on either side. But two men from this stolen wife at a Bakělě town on the place were trading at a Pangwe town, a Nkâmâ. But finding a Pangwe canoe day or two since, when one of them was that was descending the river, they speared. He escaped and returned home. attacked it, killing two men, and taking The wound is a severe one in his back; one captive. They returned in great but I think it will not prove fatal. No triumph, having performed this murdersooner was this attack generally known, ous exploit upon innocent and defencethan companies started off from neigh-less people. boring towns, to make war on the Pang- This evening the women and children wes. One man belonging to a place from one of the Bakělě towns nearest to that had no part in the war, was shot the Pangwes, have fled, and come to |