dare not do this, knowing that this Gospel is conformable with the Vulgate, which is used in our Church and printed in Rome." : The day before yesterday he called again, full of joy because he understood more of his Testament than he did formerly he said, that, a long time ago, he borrowed a New Testament, but was not able to understand any thing in it; but, since he had followed my advice, to pray to Christ before reading in it, for the Spirit of God to open the eyes of his understanding, and that he might read the Gospel for no other purpose than to be instructed in the way of Salvation, he has found great blessings in the Gospel. Yesterday, he expressed his regret at not having sooner become acquainted with the Gospel; and said, that he had been for a long time in search of truth, but the priests had always directed him to the Virgin Mary. His wife had borne to him three children, but all had died: when she was pregnant with the first child, he used to fast closely one day in the week, in honour of the Virgin, and to pray to her for the preservation of the child, but without effect: thus he did likewise with the second and third child, but all his praying and fasting were in vain. Now, for this new-born child he prayed only to Jesus Christ; however without tempting the Lord, because it is written Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God but submitting to His holy will, firmly persuaded, that He, who heareth the prayers of His children, will hear him also, and preserve his child, if it is agree able to His holy will. I observed to him, that the Lord often takes from us those things which are most dear to us; and this from pure love, and for our own benefit, to draw us nearer to Himself, and to save our souls. "Yes," he said, "I want nothing more but that my soul may be saved: because Jesus said, What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?". This man gives me much pleasure: sometimes we discourse for hours together, with the Bible in our hands: if, on his questioning me on any topic, or for the solution of any scruple, I can shew him a pertinent passage in the Scriptures, it gives him more joy than any explanation conveyed in human words. To-day he said, My friends want to quarrel with me; but I answer them, as you do me, by shewing them Dec. 1829. 66 the Word of God, and saying 'Here it is written,' and speaking little or nothing." This man is the only one of the numbers of Roman Catholics who have visited us, who came with a view to instruction in the Way of Salvation. May the Lord preserve him from the Wicked One, and cause him to find the way of truth and eternal life! From Mr. Krusé's communications we add two further extracts. On the 23d of March he thus speaks of the Hopeful Death of an old Coptic Priest. Last night the old Coptic Priest died, who formerly was my teacher. He still frequented our house, after I had dismissed him; and I had many conflicts with him, and much to tolerate: but, since he fell ill, six months ago, several very edifying conversations have taken place between us. For the last three months, he has not been able to come to me without the aid of his staff; and I have often wondered to hear this man, in whom I had not before observed any sign of a regenerated heart, speaking with so much evangelical spirit. During the last few days of his life I often visited him, and always found him very thankful. Eight days previous to his death, I sent for Dr. Dussap to see him, who gave him no hopes of recovery; but the Priest submitted himself entirely to the will of God, nor did he appear to be alarmed at the approach of death. I believe he died in the Lord: what still more confirms me in this persuasion, is the cheerful circumstance, that, on my last visit, he placed his entire trust in the Saviour-spoke with great assurance and rejoiced in the prospect of being soon permitted to leave this world of misery and to be with Christ for ever. I regret exceedingly not having seen him in his last moments, being myself indisposed; and, this morning, when in the act of preparing to visit him, I received intelligence that he died last night. Instance of Mahomedan Superstition. In passing through a grove near Old Caïro, I saw an exceedingly old and large tree whose stem lay on the ground: several large branches of it, which had taken root and were grown up, surrounded the body, like so many new trees. On these were hung a quantity of old rags, each of which were sepa 4 B rately fixed with nails. On questioning the old gardener what these meant, he informed us, that a great Saint was buried there; and that the Mahomedans, who have faith enough, go there if any of their kindred or themselves are sick, to fasten an old rag, and to pray, hoping that the Saint would PERHAPS shew mercy to them, and deliver them from their sickness. There are many such places in Egypt, but the Mahomedans do not make them an object of idolatry, as the Roman Catholics and the Copts do with their Saints and holy places. This is evident, also, from the word 66 perhaps," which the gardener used expressively. If a Copt, who is trained in bigotry and superstition, is questioned about the Mahomedans visiting such places, he cannot forbear expressing his abomination and deep contempt of them: for he beholdeth the mote which is in his brother's eye, but considereth not the beam which is in his own eye. India within the Ganges. BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY, In a recent communication, the Missionaries at Calcutta, as will appear from the following extract, use every precaution in forming their estimate of the General Effects of Missionary Labours. We should feel exceedingly happy, could we report numerous conversions; but, at present, that pleasure is denied us: yet scenes are sometimes-indeed, we might say often-witnessed, which encourage our hearts and cheer our spirits; and which we are persuaded could not be beheld by our friends in England, without much interest, nor without exciting them to pray afresh for Divine Influence, to bring them in who sometimes seem not far from the kingdom of God. Within the last few weeks, a pleasing change has taken place in the numbers who attend at two of the bungalows. They had, some time ago, been so small, as to be quite disheartening: they are now much increased, and our brethren are often heard with much attention. Indeed, we have not now to complain of any thing like abuse: people listen in silence, or argue with much less virulence than formerly. In fact, it is not uncommon for the preacher to have those among his hearers, who will take up the cause of Christianity against their coun trymen. The number present generally averages from 40 to 60, often considerably more, and rarely less. All Congregations here among the Natives are fluctuating: many come and stay a few minutes, and then retire; but a considerable number often remain much longer. Some have been regular hearers for months together; and others are often seen, though not so regular in their attendance as the former. The Services are sometimes continued from halfpast eight or nine o'clock to noon, and even later; and there are persons who remain the whole time. The Gospel is no novelty here; and hence it is peculiarly gratifying to observe the same persons often present. Their acquaintance with the Christian System must consequently increase; and we cannot but suppose that the subjects which they hear discussed in the Places of Worship are often made the topics of conversation; and thus truth is spreading, and error must give way to a greater or less extent. Many admit the excellency of Christianity; and seem unable, and sometimes a little ashamed, to advocate their own religious creed. We meet occasionally with persons themselves, and to come to the truth. who appear determined to examine for An elderly Mussulman has borrowed and read all those parts of the Scriptures, which have been hitherto published in Hindoostanee; and has been at an expence of 100 rupees to procure a copy of the Korân translated into Hindoostanee, for the purpose of comparing it with the Christian Scriptures. The confidence of numbers in Mahomet appears considerably shaken; and some go so far as to say that he was a crafty and bad man. Still, in these things we see but a small part of what we want. To be freed from superstition and prejudice in any degree, is well; but we want conversion to God. Men are often converted from one error to another; and seem as far distant from truth as before, and are less open to conviction. Such is the progress of many of our Hindoo Hearers: they leave Idolatry, but embrace Infidelity. There are, however, a few who seem steady, and say that they are convinced of the truth of Christianity; and we sometimes hope that there is some good thing in them toward the God of Israel. But we are afraid to say much, at present, about them. Just Estimate of the Native Christians. The Missionaries remarkAmong all the imperfections of the Native Brethren, which at times are a source of much grief to their instructors, we, who see every part of their character, often find in them occasion for the liveliest emotions of gratitude and praise; especially when they are seen collected together on the Lord's Day, in the House of God, listening to the glad tidings of mercy-bending prostrate in the presence of the invisible Jehovah and, in harmonious strains, hymning His sacred praises. At such times, the mind is involuntarily led to call to remembrance the comparative difference of their former vile, disgusting, and souldestructive worship before hideous idols. The Native Christians, like ourselves, are far from being perfect. If the Gospel has not wrought in them perfect purity, however, it has proved the power of God in delivering them from Hindooism. In their houses, not a vestige of idolatry is to be seen. They are not to be found mixing with the idolatrous processions, nor are the great holidays of the Heathen regarded by them. Resort to the conjurer in sickness, the observance of lucky and unlucky days, the making vows for the obtaining of favours, the pretended extravagant and noisy grief of those who have lost their relatives, with many other superstitious and heathenish customs and vices, do not pollute the characters of our Native Christians. In observing this difference between their present and their former condition, it cannot fail to afford us the purest joy; and enable us to bear with their deficiencies with more patience, hoping that increased knowledge of the Word of God will eventually redeem them from all their remaining imperfections. They add some observations on the Beneficial Influence of Instruction in Na tural Philosophy. Occasionally, experiments in Natural Philosophy have been made, to illustrate the lesson of the day; at which times several of the scholars have exhibited a decided taste for these things, and a number of interesting questions have been put by them. Perhaps nothing is so calculated to undermine that confidence which is so generally put in the Shasters, (to which the Natives always resort, when driven by argument, as to an impregnable fortress,) as these simple Power of Caste among the Native Christians. Mr. Morewood writes That this abomination will ULTIMATE Ly cease, we cannot doubt; but, of its speedy abolition, the indications are few indeed. The truth must be spoken, however painful it may be to know it. Judge, then, from a few facts, whether Caste is not, in some cases at least, in FULL EXERCISE. I have known all the Soodras in a Congregation, except one or two Catechists, hide their faces, and refuse to listen, when a Parriar Catechist, whom I believe to be a good and humble man, has risen, in his turn, to speak to them the Word of Life. I have been credibly informed, that a Soodra Catechist has often long hesitated, before he would visit the house of a dying Parriar, to administer consolation to him in his last moments. In short, a spurious sort of Christianity appears to have been introduced into the South of India, through the toleration of caste. The Native Christians will call you their beloved and blessed Minister, so long as you do not interfere with their prejudices; but touch these, however gently, and they will leave you, and go where they can escape from so intolerable an annoyance. I rejoice, however, that the Converts in the Tinnevelly Mission are of a different character. They give up caste altogether: they patiently endure persecution they manifest every reasonable evidence of a true conversion to : God. Let us bless God for them; and pray that what we already see, may be the first-fruits of a gracious and abundant harvest. On this subject, Mr. Schaffter, now at Madras, adds I am very sorry to say, that caste has still a very powerful and pernicious influence on the Christians of this part of the country. A Soodra Christian would not, while under this influence, eat with a Parriar for the world, nor will he sit near him, and is even very unwilling to hear the Word of God from his mouth. A Catechist may be a man of know. ledge, talent, and piety, yet if he be a Parriar, the poorest of the Soodras will not associate with him with a Christian familiarity. This adherence to caste, in the Native Christians, is a great source of sorrow and trouble to Missionaries in this country. It requires all the wisdom, the prudence, and the fortitude of an experienced Servant of Christ, to eradicate this foreign plant from the Church, without injuring the parts affected by it. I preached a Sermon in Black Town, in which I think I proved, by the Word of God and by reason, that caste is, in its principle and in its influence, entirely contrary to Christianity, and destructive of that love and union, which are the glory, and the cause of the happiness, of the True Church. This Sermon, I am happy to say, had the effect intended. Many Soodra Chris. tians, who never before attended Church when they knew that our Parriar Catechist (who is a good man) was to explain the Word of God, from that time at tended without difference; but others, exasperated to the utmost by the Sermon, in revenge wrote against me in the Newspapers. Mr. Sawyer has already effected very much toward breaking caste in this Congregation, and succeeded in the Seminary. May God enable me to continue worthily the work of this good man! We here introduce an affecting notice on this subject, by Mr. Barenbruck of Mayaveram, though it belongs to a Station some distance from Madras. John Devasagayam came to my room; and told me, that, as I had frequently wished that he would come forward to profess openly that he was not a supporter of the Heathenish notion of Caste, he had invited a Country Catechist and one of our Readers, both of whom are of It will be seen under the next head, that the very Heathen begin, in reference to Caste, to become a reproach to such Native Christians as dishonour the Gospel by adhering to it. Eagerness among some of the Natives for Tracts. Mr. Sawyer, in reference to an Examination of the School at Great Conjeveram, says— Numbers crowded round the Choultry, and heard the Testament and other books read, with a word or two of explanation. When all was done, many Young Brahmins, who could read, came and begged for Tracts. I never found so much difficulty in supplying them with books as I did on this occasion. Their eagerness was so great, that they would make any promise to secure them. Some said, 66 Sir, you may examine us the next time you come, and see if we shall have un derstood them: if we have, give us more; if not, we will not ask for them." Others cried out, "You promised us last time: do fulfil your promise, now we have been waiting all this time." Others, "We are or have been in your school, and we can understand all very well." After I had given about 50, the press was so great, that I was obliged to get the servants to come near, in order to prevent me from being annoyed: these men being Parriars, I thought I might have been safe and easy; but the sight, nay the touch, of a Parriar did not divert them from their purpose. I cannot help observing here, what a remarkable difference I have witnessed, in my short residence in this country, with regard to the distinction of Caste. I have seen men even in the public street, as soon as they have set eyes on a Parriar, start out of the road as though they had met a cobra-capella; and, at this place particularly, where the streets are very broad, there is more opportunity of noticing such things: the state of things here is, however, now much altered; as this evening's events testify. Brahmins and Soodras did not hesitate to stand within the touch of a polluting Parriar, for the sake of obtaining a Religious Tract. This, I think, speaks a great deal for the good sense of the Hindoos, in getting above the influence of CUSTOM; as well as for the value of Tracts, for the possession of which they are content to sacrifice what they have been accustomed to account most sacred. Traits of the Native Character and The following statements are extracted from Mr. Sawyer's communications; and have reference, more immediately, to the Natives in Madras and its vicinity. -I have been so often and lamentably deceived by the Natives, that I know not whom to trust. They are, without doubt, perfect Masters in the arts of dissimulation and fraud. A man, who will one day appear all that you could wish and hope for, will, the next day, leave scarcely a hope of his Christianity; and, on the third, try to make you believe that your bad opinion is ill-foundedwill walk, for a month or two, irreproachably-appear better than ever-get cool -fall into open sin-and yet try to persuade himself that he is a Christian; and have the effrontery to smile, if you question his Christianity. Such instances I have seen and had to deal with; and they really make me to doubt the faith of many, who yet may be true Christians. I am persuaded, however, that this is the best side to err upon; and that jealousy, however unpleasant to your better feelings, both with regard to your own state and that of others,is better than the complacency too often ill bestowed. - I feel persuaded that you may endeavour to benefit the Natives of this country for twenty years, as it regards their souls and the souls of their children, and they will never feel themselves at all obliged, but think you ought to be obliged to them for their attendance. I have occasionally tried the experiment of withdrawing favours for a time, particularly in the case of Schools; and have found it come nearer, and do more in producing a right feeling, than if I had remonstrated and reasoned with them on the ingratitude of their conduct a hundred times. In fact, the Natives are mostly like children, and require the same treatment exactly. The number of Scholars was much diminished here, and will be in every place that I go to, from the circumstance of this being the month for marriages. Boys and their parents travel sometimes 200 miles on foot, to attend weddings. So fond are the Hindoos of such feasts and holidays, that a parent thinks nothing of taking a child away from school for two months together, to undertake a journey on some such occasion as the marriage or death of a relation. long -Christian preached at Perambore Church. I was much gratified with both the manner and the matter; but, to shew what ingenious people the Natives of this country are in making up a story, I think it worth while to commit to paper the following conversation with a Heathen Youth :-"Well, you were at Church this morning? "Yes, Sir". "Did you understand what the Catechist said?" "Very little"-" How is that? He is a Native, and speaks Tamul properly." "Yes:" then, recollecting himself a little, he said, "He spoke about some child being born and brought up, and a great deal about sin." (The Sermon was suitable for Christmas)-" Well, and what else?" "He talked about sin "-" What did he say sin was?" To this he replied in such a way as to render it impossible to preserve my gravity-that sin consisted in the persons who brought up the said child not having given it proper medicine when it was sick, and thereby causing its death. What the Young Man could have gathered this from, I am quite at a loss to imagine, as there was nothing said to lead to it. -A Brahmin was, this morning, detected in telling two awful falsehoods. It is a fact, that lying is as common among this people as speaking the truth, or even more common. Numbers, who |