but, the next day, he resolved not to submit to it, and said that he cared very little whether he had any thing more to do with such a people. At first he thought he should do well to renounce life, rather than submit to such reproach as was put upon him; and then the thought arose, that he should do better to seek and serve the Lord in earnest. To avoid the present storm, we thought it expedient to send him directly away on a journey, which had been previously agreed upon, to visit a school, and procure another Pundit: he accordingly went, leaving a writing for his hostile brethren, declaring that he had not merited and was unwilling to accept their punishment.

It is impossible to judge what may be the results of this commotion: but we would earnestly hope and pray, that, to the Brahmin, it may result in his final salvation; and that, to us, it may prove a lasting excitement, as at present, to prayer, and hope, and confidence in God.

State and Prospects of Education.

The Schools in Bombay were affected considerably on account of the offence taken by the Teachers, when required to stand in time of prayer in the Chapel. Most of the Teachers immediately dismissed their Schools; but others soon applied for employment as Teachers, offering to comply with the requisitions of the Missionaries: several of the former Teachers, also, soon yielded, and wished to be employed again; so that the Schools were shortly re-established, and became as prosperous as before. The whole transaction was considered very auspicious in its bearing.

Several of the Female Schools were suspended for a short time, owing to the cause mentioned above; but these also have been re-established, and the state of Female Education was never more encouraging than at present. The prejudices and indifference which have heretofore existed on this subject are giving way; and many parents begin now to feel interested for the education of their daughters, as well as for that of their sons: and, as the number of persons to superintend these schools has been recently increased in this Mission, we are encouraged to hope that the time is fast approaching, when Females in Bombay, instead of being cut off from all means of moral and intellectual improvement, shall be seen rising to that

place in society, and to the enjoyment of those rights and privileges, to which they are destined in Civilized and Christian Countries. But such of our benefactors as are acquainted with the state of Females in India, the prejudice which exists against their being instructed, the few inducements to stimulate them to study which they can be made to feel, and the habits of idleness to which they are addicted except when necessity drives them to exertion, will not expect that we can gratify them by statements exhibiting great attainments. We have now ten Schools exclusively for females, five of which are taught by persons of their own sex : some of these have lads to assist them. It requires unremitting exertions to keep these schools in existence; and, indeed, several that were in operation at the commencement of the year have been relinquished: others, however, were soon established; so that the number has, in general, been the same as at the beginning of the year. The Ten Commandments are committed to memory by many of the pupils, even before they have learned to read intelligently; and, as soon as they can do this, the Catechism, giving a view of the leading truths of Christianity, is put into their hands. The art of reading is very little prized, and consequently greatly neglected, by the Natives generally. It has been our constant endeavour to give it that prominence which it justly demands in all our schools; though, in doing so, we have met with many impediments, arising from the apathy and unfaithfulness of the Teachers. Many children enter and leave our schools, without having become possessed of the art to such a degree, as to justify the expectation that they will ever derive much benefit from it; and, on such, we consider the pains taken, and the expense incurred, to be NEARLY lost, though we cannot but hope that some good will result even to these: but, on the other hand, there are many who become able to read with fluency and understanding: these have become possessed of the key, which may unlock to them the Treasures of Science, with which the Mahratta Language is becoming annually enriched; and, what is vastly more important, the Treasures of Divine Truth contained in the Inspired Volume, which is finding its way to every part of the land.

We cannot, in justice to our feelings, close our short account, without tender

ing our sincere thanks to those who have so liberally aided us by their contributions toward the support of Schools under our care; and, at the same time, we would caution them against resting satisfied with what they have done. In Christian Countries, Schools are by no means found sufficient to perpetuate the Gospel, where it is already planted; but the preaching of the Word must be maintained. If necessary where Divine Truth has already taken root, how much more important, where the good seed can scarcely yet be said to have been sown! Schools are important, so far as they prepare those instructed in them to profit by what they hear, or enable them to read the Truth; but, unless they are accompanied and followed by evangelical labour, they are likely to produce no important and abiding results.

Appeal in Behalf of the Mission. Persons who have never been engaged, themselves, in Missionary Operations, cannot well conceive how important it is to keep possession of the ground which is once gained, and to take advantage of every good impression which is made, And it should be remembered, in reinforcing this Mission, that generally between two and three years must elapse, after the Missionary leaves his country, before, having reached the field of his labours and acquired the language, he is prepared for much active exertion among the people. He may then be soon laid aside by sickness or death, just as the people were beginning to see the light and feel the force of Divine Truth; while there is none to succeed him, until they come from America. Many, who heard his instructions with attention, soon become scattered: others, seeing him whom they began to regard as a Teacher of the True Way of Salvation removed, are liable, through the overpowering influence of Idolatry on every side, soon to lose their good impressions, and gradually to return to their former practices. Thus the people, who had been in some degree awakened to the momentous concerns of the soul, relapse into their former state of apathy; and the enemies to the Truth triumph, while they who are labouring and praying for the salvation of the Heathen can only look on and weep.

But the field before us is so vast, and the Labourers so few, that we cannot close, without again placing before our patrons the wants of the people around

us. To furnish instruction to the people on this island, which is not half the size of most country parishes in America, so that the Preachers of the Gospel here should bear the same proportion to the population which the Ministers in the large cities in America do to the inhabitants, would require more than One Hundred Missionaries. But the views and operations of this Mission have never been limited to this island. On the adjacent continent, the same language is used through a large extent of country, abounding in large cities and villages, and containing a population nearly or quite as large as that of the United States. In many of these places we have had Schools for some years past; and we have earnestly desired to see a Mission established there, in order that those Schools might be more effectually superintended and the Gospel be preached among the people. Often, when those villages have been visited by Missionaries, the people, after being addressed a few times, have assembled round him, and requested him to come and live among them, in order that they might hear more about the Gospel and understand it better: "and if," say they, "you cannot come yourself and teach us those things, will you not send some one?" To inquiries of this kind, what shall we say? And, considering these applications as made, through us, to Churches in America, what answer are they prepared to give?

Southern Concan.

SCOTTISH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

the

THE following extracts are made from the last Report of the Missionaries to the Auxiliary Society at Bombay. As will be seen by our Readers, they speak admirably on the subject of the

Superior Importance of Preaching, as a Means of Conversion.

By the institution of Schools and the distribution of Tracts, we have been enabled to spread the knowledge of the Gospel very extensively still, however, these means are only subsidiary to the direct Preaching of the Gospel. Although an intellectual perception of Scripture Truth may seem to be as ef fectually secured by the subsidiary means as by the principal, and though conver sion to God might be expected to follow as readily in the one case as in the other,

still, as long as the coMMAND of our Blessed Lord to the Ministers of His Church, and the EXAMPLE of His Apostles, point so specifically to PREACHING, our great hope is in the annunciation of the Gospel to the people face to face; and we dare not concentrate our labours

in any other point but this. The exhibition of Divine Truth effected by mere written statement, God has undoubtedly blessed; but there are other exhibitions of it, which, from the History of the Church, we know-as from the nature of the subject we might have expectedthat He has blessed much more.

It is when the mind of the hearer is brought in contact with that of the speaker-when he is pressed with his serious inquiries, puts himself in the posture of defence, is worsted in his argument, becomes ashamed of his objections, and is obliged to relinquish the point which he had set himself to defend-it is when he marks the countenance and manner of the Preacher, is subjected to the powerful eloquence of the Word of God, pouring from the lips of one animated with zeal and prompted by compassion-it is when he beholds, not only earnestness and pity on every occasion, but self-possession and meekness in the midst of opposition-it is when an exhibition of Divine Truth like this is presented to his eye, that the Holy Spirit is most likely to recommend it to his heart, and render it effectual to the conversion of his soul,

The Preacher is, in the mean time, reduced to the exercise of faith and the use of prayer: without these, how dares he approach a company of enemies, and how can he pursue his work among them? Their enmity and opposition send him sorrowing to his only Friend and Supporter their reception of the Word, in the slightest degree, increases his earnestness, and enlarges his desires and demands in supplication to Him, who, while He has bestowed the privilege on His servants of planting and watering, has reserved to Himself the prerogative of giving the increase.

It ought also to be remembered, that it is a very small proportion of the people that can be reached otherwise than by the DIRECT PREACHING of the Gospel. The educated are few: the illiterate are many: and the Missionary, who does not make every thing bend to the use of the only means which are adapted for the generality of men, while

they are at the same time best suited for all, evidently sacrifices a greater interest to a less, and practically denies it to be one of the peculiar features of the Gospel of Christ-that it is a Gospel preached unto the poor.

Diligence of the Missionaries in Preaching. In accordance with this view of Scripture Truth, we devote our principal attention to the direct preaching of the Gospel. During the rains, our labours in this department have been chiefly confined to Bankote, Hurnee, and their immediate vicinity. In our daily visits to the people, the two Brethren of each Station are accustomed to go out together; and we intend to do so as much as possible, even in our distant tours. Several such tours were undertaken, during the dry season, for the express purpose of preaching the Gospel: we remained in one village a considerable time together: our audiences were often numerous, attentive, and interesting; and many appeared to be affected by what they heard.

Our servants, and the poor people that come to us weekly for alms, have had a large share of our attention: with the servants, we are in the habit of reading a portion of Scripture; and then examine them particularly on its contents, and conclude with prayer: on the Sabbath, the servants of both the Missionary Families, with a few of the neighbouring teachers, are assembled together, and have the advantage of the same exercises more at large. The poor people form a numerous and interesting class of hearers; and many of them, as well as of our servants, have a tolerably correct idea of the scheme of Redemption.

An increase of knowledge is, indeed, to be observed; not only in our immediate places of residence, but in all the neighbouring villages. The inhabitants are better able to appreciate our general character, and that of our doctrine; and, although our approach to their doors is often far from welcome, and half of those who are seated together slink away and dispose of themselves as they best can, it is a silent testimony that our words are understood, and are felt to be words of truth: but, how sad a testimony is it, that they still love darkness rather than light! And why? Because their deeds are evil; for every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

The truth of this is painfully striking, in the case of our servants. Several of them have now been with us a considerable time: we have led them from one Scripture Truth to another, and we have pressed these truths on their consciences and their hearts: they have followed us, as they were led; and there now remains no deficiency in that knowledge of the Scriptures which is necessary to salvation: nay more, as the several doctrines passed in review before their minds, they were not without impressions on their hearts. But, with all their views and all their feelings, they are, to all appearance, still without the faith and repentance of the Gospel. They have shewn us, most distinctly, the necessity of Di

vine Influence for the conversion of a single soul; and, if this truth has deeply impressed us in the case of any, it has certainly done so in theirs.

Duty of Britains to propagate the Gospel. In closing their Report addressed to the Secretary of the Bombay Auxiliary Society, the Missionaries, after forcibly depicting the obligation on their country to use every possible exertion for the propagation of the Gospel, add these pungent remarks

Now, Dear Sir, here are we, and yourself, and your Committee, and many other Christian Friends, in the most important and extensive part of the British Dominions. Here are we, in the midst of Heathen Temples, Idols, Rites, and Abominations of every description. Our country will perish, if she frustrate the plans appointed by God for the abolition of them, and the introduction of the worship of the One True and Living God. He hath placed us here, that this guilt may not cleave to her, nor so fell destruction overtake her. If others, then, will not come hither to join the standard of the Lord, let us, who are here already, rally round it with a spirit more united, zealous, and vigorous than ever. Let every Christian in this land view himself as an Evangelist: let him consider himself as sent by God to make known His way upon earth, and His saving health among this people. Let him not seek his own things, but the things that are Christ's; and let him only believe, that, in doing so, he will best promote his own interests and secure his own happiLet him study to do good unto all men, as he has opportunity. Let him be

ness.

willing to distribute, ready to communicate. If this is his duty with respect to his earthly substance, it is much more so with respect to the spiritual treasure committed to his trust: by diffusing it, he will bring down blessings on himself, his family, and his country; he will save him that is ready to perish: he will give his testimony to the truth of the Gospel ; and, what ought to be most dear and precious to us all, he will advance the kingdom and promote the glory of His Redeemer.

MAYAVERAM.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

FROM the communications of Mr. Bärenbruck, we extract various Notices relative to the Heathen Natives.

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In catechizing one of our Schools, I found the children rather backward: on putting the Schoolmaster to catechize them, I discovered the cause of this deficiency. He had a very beautiful ornament of gold on one of his arms: they call this taitu," ," and place some confidence in it. it into my hands, and I would keep it till I advised him to put he came to the Schoolmasters' Meeting; when, if he then had made progress in catechizing, I would return it to him. With reluctance and much hesitation, he at last consented; and when he gave it me, tears were in his eyes. But it was the only way to get him on; for he is a Heathen, and has still some reliance on his “taitu " in this case: this method, I was certain, would do more than all my exhortation. When he gave me his darling, it was with a trembling hand :

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Sir," ," said he, "will any misfortune befall me?" "None," I replied, "if you put your trust in God."

Mr. Schaffter and I observed a Pandaram standing opposite to a pagoda, and performing his devotions: he bowed down to the ground, and now and then fixed his eyes on the idol. I had observed him some time before he appeared to notice me. I would not interrupt his devotion, though false; but lifted up my finger toward heaven, and kept it so. As soon as he glanced at me, and his eye caught my finger in that position, curiosity led him to inquire the reason. said-" Look a little higher. Do not look to the creature, the work of men's hands: but look up to heaven, to the Creator; and all will be well with you." While saying this, two Brahmins were

I

brought near by curiosity. They immediately asked the Pandaram what I had said; and the Old Man having told them with a smiling countenance, though with some astonishment that I should dare to speak thus in the presence of the Swamy, they replied, "It is very right, and in that there is nothing wrong: we should do." I gave them an idea of worshipping the True God in spirit and in truth, and invited them to come to

the Mission House.

SO

Mr. Schaffter and I going on horseback up the bed of the river, which is now without water, we met some Brahmins, who came to perform their cere mony of their morning-prayer: I spoke to them, and shewed them from whence the Waters of Life flow: for, as they require water for their prayers (which they throw in several directions, over their heads and bodies, behind and before; put it with their hands into their mouths and put it out again while speaking certain words), they keep the water very carefully in the river; and when it gets dry, they dig large holes and ditches in the bed of the river, to keep as much water as they want for their ceremonies. An old Pandaram, who was sitting near one of those ditches, I saw busily engaged in forming a clay figure much like the shape of a pagoda, and ornamenting it with flowers: I asked him whether he could answer it to the True God, for spending his time in such an idle way, playing like a little child in the sand: he appeared a little ashamed for a moment, and to feel that what I said was true; but then resumed his work again, and said, “It is for the Swamy:" I detained him, however, still a little longer; being resolved, that, before he finished his foolish work, he should at least know that the Lord, whom he knew not, had sent a message to him this morning. While I was speaking to him, other Brahmins came near, and heard with (as it would appear to every one who does not know the Brahmins' serpentine nature) much pleasure and full assent of their hearts: one followed us even a long way up the river, and assured us that he believed every Christian Doctrine; and if we only would support him and provide for him in life, he would continue in this true faith: I told him that he was then confessing himself to be a sinful creature before the Most Holy: "No, Sir," he said, "I am a very good man." “Then you have not yet

Qet. 1829.

Mr. Bärenbruck and I, being at Negapatam, visited our School in Tiruvalloor. In the evening we took a ride in the town, to see the place to which our School is about to be removed. A great number of the inhabitants accompanied us through the streets; and their number increased so much, that it was at last difficult for us to move our horses in any direction. When we arrived near the School, Mr. Bärenbruck addressed the large congregation: they heard with much attention. A Brahmin, who happened to be among them, kept close to Mr. Bärenbruck's horse, and repeatedly exhorted the people to give attention to what was said, as it was good instruction. As we returned to the old palace which the King of Tanjore has in this place, a great number of people accompanied us; many, I should think, to shew us friendship. The Brahmin entered the palace with us, seemingly with a great desire to speak to Mr. Bärenbruck: when we sat down, he sat down also; and began, in a very warm manner, to express his feelings and opinions about the things which he had heard, now and on other occasions, from Mr. Bärenbruck.

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I believe them to be true," he said: "the more I reflect upon them, the more I am persuaded that they are the very things which we ought to know and receive." He had formerly received some religious instructions from Mr. Bärenbruck, and had appeared very much struck with them: once he joined with him and some other Christians in prayer; but, on another occasion, he went away in an abrupt manner, while they were praying. Mr. Bärenbruck, recollecting the circumstance, asked him why he then went away from prayer in such an unbecoming manner. He said, I was thirsty." thirst, to make you go away in a moment when you might derive so great a benefit for your soul. It was very likely the thirst of sin-fear of men- -fear of losing

3 N

"It was very evil