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No. 1.]

JANUARY, 1834.

CALCUTTA AND NORTH-INDIA MISSION.

[VOL. V.

We have received from Calcutta the Seventeenth Report of the Calcutta Corresponding Committee; from which we shall give somewhat copious extracts, in continuation of the accounts which concluded at p. 188 of our Volume for 1833.

SEVENTEENTH REPORT OF THE CALCUTTA

CORRESPONDING COMMITTEE.

Introductory Observations.

The Report of the Corresponding Committee opens with a remark of a very gratifying nature, in regard to the increasing extent of the Society's labours in the East. It is remarked

The field of Missionary Labour is becoming so enlarged, and opportunities of extending the means of Christian Knowledge so multiplied, that, from the various interesting particulars which present themselves on a review of the proceedings of the last year, it becomes difficult to select those which may be considered most worthy of notice in an Annual Report. The Corresponding Committee of the Church Missionary Society are therefore not without fear, that, in presenting to the friends and supporters of the Society the Annual Report of Proceedings, they should fail to convey an adequate idea of the interesting work in which they are engaged.

The Report then notices the joy with which the arrival of the Bishop of Calcutta was hailed by all the friends of the Society in India. It is added

His Lordship was among the first founders of the Church Missionary Society, and has continued his support to it from the beginning. He has kindly accepted the office of President of the Corresponding Committee.

Calcutta.

Of this Station it is reported as follows:

The operations connected with this Station are become so extended, as to render a minute detail of occurrences too voluminous for a Report of this kind. At Baraset, and near Dumdum, to the east, are three Schools; and at Bealah, Raspunge, RECORD, Jan. 1834.

and Budgebudge, to the south, are five Schools, in connexion with this Station; and a very promising field of usefulness below Diamond Harbour. At all these has lately opened at and near Culpee, places respectively there are Schools, which, together with the Schools supported by the Church Missionary Association, the Christian School of 22 Native Boys on the Premises, and the Girls' School superintended by Mrs. Sandys, contain, in all, upward of 900 children: of these, the Girls' School is supported by the Ladies' Society, and the School at Bealah from funds raised by the Rev. J. M'Queen, who succeeds the late Rev. W. Hovenden in this work of mercy.

The Committee are happy to be able to report also, that the English School on the Mission Premises is in a flourishing condition, under the care and superintendence of Baboo Krishna Mohana Banerjea: there are now about 200 pupils on the list, about 160 of whom are in daily attendance.

A Hindoostanee Branch of the Mission tended to include such Professed Chrishas also been attempted in Colinga, intians as are acquainted only or chiefly with that language: many of this description, especially females of respectable character, are resident in this part of the town. A lady, long devoted to Missionary Labours, has, during the last year, given her attention to this class of society, and has succeeded in collecting about forty, who assemble once in the week, and on Sunday Afternoon, for Worship.

Besides these labours, a Hindoostanee School has been established, containing 32 scholars, which is superintended by a Christian Molwee. This person reads the Scriptures also, and gives information to inquirers on the subject of Christianity; and, through him, several have been led to desire Baptism: and these, joining with the female branch in Worship on Sunday Evening, form a Congregation, sometimes

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of about sixty persons. Thus there are in the Schools connected with the Calcutta Mission between 1100 and 1200 Children.

Since the departure of Mr. Dunsmure in February last, the Rev. W. Morse has taken charge of the Schools, and is able also to render assistance in reading Prayers. The Congregation in the Mission Chapel amounts, usually, on Sunday Morning, to 100 Native Christians: in the Evening Services, both on Sunday and Wednesday, to about 50. The number of Communicants is now about 50, residing in Calcutta, besides others residing in the vicinity. The Weekly Catechizing, and Monthly Meeting previous to the administration of the Lord's Supper, are regularly kept up, and the benefits of them are manifest. Several Adults have been induced to learn to read, as well as commit to memory the Catechism; and the necessary exercise of discipline, in suspending some at different times from a participation in the Lord's Supper, in consequence of disagreements among themselves, or of other offences, has had a salutary effect; and the Rev. T. Sandys speaks of the general conduct of the whole as satisfactory, and of many of the Converts as exemplary. The Sacramental Collections have amounted to 60 rupees during the year, which is applied to the relief of the sick and widows among them.

Preaching has been kept up weekly in the Chapel at Potuldunga; and has been numerously attended by Hindoos and Mahomedans, who have heard the Gospel explained, and have received Tracts.

A circumstance is then noticed as having taken place in the neighbourhood of Culpee, both indicating the change passing on the Native mind, and serving also as an encouragement to improve opportunities, however small they may appear. It is stated

A Native, who for three years had been applying to each of the Missionary Bodies in turn for a School and Teacher, came in the early part of last year with the same request to the Rev. T. Sandys. Mr. Sandys told him he was unable then to comply with his wishes; but he might, if he pleased, leave his son, a youth who accompanied him, and he should be instructed with the boys entertained on the premises. He accordingly left him; and he remained some months, till he could read. and had committed to memory

Watts's Catechism. He then went away, and nothing further was heard of the family for several months. At length the father, with three others, and nine from Culpee, presented himself, and, in proof of his desire of instruction, had committed to memory part of the Catechism which his son had been taught. The call seemed pressing; and the request of these interesting people is in the course of being complied with, as far as the Committee may be able to find the necessary means.

Operations of the Press.

Concerning the operations of the Press at Calcutta, it is stated

The Press has been chiefly employed, in English, on the Christian Intelligencer, Reports, Select Sermons, and an edition of Watson's Apology, which has been printed by subscription, to meet as much as may be the Infidel Publications circulated among the young educated Natives.

Editions of the Scriptures in Persian and Hinduwee are being printed for the Bible Society. The chief Native Works for the Corresponding Committee have been, Genesis, with Fuller's Instructive Remarks, translated by the Rev. M. Wilkinson, and portions of Keith on the Prophecies, the progress of which has suffered much interruption.

Burdwan.

It is reported at this Station

The Mission in this district is now extended, on the west to Bancoorah, where the Rev. H. C. Krückeberg resides; on the east to Culna, where is Mr. A. Alexander; and to Krishnagur, where the Rev. J. Hæberlin is now resident.

The establishment of Schools at Bancoorah was reported last year; and there are now six Schools for Boys and one for Girls.

The expense of these Schools is all borne by the residents at Bancoorah. Mr. Krückeberg, in superintending the Schools, takes every opportunity of conversing with the Natives on the subject of Christianity, and has become acquainted with some instances of the Boys having read their Scripture Lessons to their relatives at home.

Mr. Alexander continues to superintend four Schools at Culna, in which there are 300 Scholars: of these, 97 are reading the Gospels, Ellerton's Dialogues, and Geography. There is also an English School, in which from 30 to 38 Youths attend daily. There have been several during the year who remained for

a time with Mr. Alexander, to gain some knowledge of Christianity; but only two have received Baptism. These were, a Young Woman, who had been a regular attendant in the Female School from its commencement; and a Mussulman.

On the Rev. W. J. Deerr taking up his abode at Krishnaghur last year, he established a School, which led to the formation afterward of two others.

At Nuddea, the celebrated place of Hindoo Learning, Mr. Deerr succeeded in establishing two Schools, and introducing the Gospels into them as a class-book.

Mr. Hæberlin carries on these operations since his appointment at Krishnaghur in January last.

At Burdwan, the Mission continues to advance the Rev. J. J. Weitbrecht reports 9 Schools, in which are 663 Boys, of whom 327 are reading, in various stages of progress; and the statement supplied to the Committee of their studies may be taken as a specimen of the mode of instruction pursued at all the Stations of the Society.

Mr. Weitbrecht's Report of the Schools and Mission generally is as follows:

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'Of the First Classes in the stated Schools, 41 Boys are at present reading the Books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges, together with Ellerton's Dialogues on Genesis: these Boys being the most intelligent in their respective villages, and having been instructed in our Schools for several years, give great satisfaction, by their thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures. Having read through the whole of the Gospels, and part of the Epistles, and as they have gone through the greater part of the Historical Books of the Old Testament, their minds are now stored with all that is necessary for man to know for the salvation of his soul, as well as with a knowledge of God's dealings with man in his fallen and in his regenerated state.

"The Second Division of Scholars comprehends those who have just now finished the Gospels with the Acts, and are commencing to read the Epistle to the Romans. After that, we put the Old Testament into their hands. As they are sufficiently acquainted with the Gospels, and capable in some degree to think for themselves, the great doctrines of the Apostle find, by a careful course of instruction, an easy access to their minds. The number of these amounts to 52.

"The Third Division of the Reading Classes is by far the largest: they are

reading the Gospels, and amount at present to 154 Boys. In some of the Junior Classes, in which the younger children begin to read, the little Bible History, adapted to their tender age, is read; and others learn Watts's little Catechism by heart.

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'One of the great advantages of Schools is the extensive spread of the Gospel effected thereby. When I preach in a village where we have a School, and find old and young somewhat acquainted with the truth, this is a great point gained; the subject of conversation being understood, becomes to them interesting. Upon careful inquiry, I have found that some Boys read the Bible or Gospels to their family at home, and tell their friends how it was explained to them in the Schools. In my addresses to a mixed crowd, I have not seldom been struck by the pointed and sensible remarks of some youth on the subject discussed; and, upon further investigation, I have discovered that the young man had been brought up in one of our Schools. Such an individual would often appear to me, among the others, as one of a different race and generation.

"A young Hindoo of this description, some months ago, when I was addressing his companions, made this remark: 'We know, Sir, that all you say is true, and that yours is the only saving Religion; but we are so deeply plunged into the mire of sin, that our rising out of it appears to us impossible.' This he said with a feeling which removed every doubt as to the sincerity of his assertion.

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'The education of Hindoo Children is viewed with deep interest by our European Friends at this Station, and we receive from them liberal assistance for that purpose.

"On the other hand, we have lost four individuals through death; viz. three children, and, a few weeks ago, the wife of Manic, our Catechist, who died ten days after having given birth to a male infant. We regret her loss: she was a sincere believer in her Saviour: her conduct was exemplary. When she felt her end approaching, she comforted her afflicted husband in the following expressive words: 'I shall soon be separated from you; but I am going now to Jesus, for He calls me. I should not choose to tarry longer in this world: I am going to heaven.'

"During the last year, eight persons, viz. one Mussulman and seven Hindoos,

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Last year, during the rainy season, after a Public Baptism, some spiritual

emotion seemed to have arisen among the people in the village where it took place; and several persons came for a while, manifesting a desire of receiving instruction; but Satan succeeded, through persecution and threats, to intimidate their minds, and the spark of divine fire was quenched for the present.

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Some time afterward, a great number of Hindoos came from other villages, desiring to be baptized; but I soon discovered that their real view was the hope, by such a change of religious profession, to improve their temporal circumstances." Gorruckpore.

At this Station the Corresponding Committee report—

The Rev. M. Wilkinson is stationed here; and is assisted by Mr. R. V. Reynolds, whose health has been perfectly re-established by his removal to Gorruckpore. Both Mr. Wilkinson and he have made extensive journeys throughout the district, to make known the truths of the Gospel. Everywhere a disposition to enter on the subject of the Christian Religion was manifested. The answers to objections, usually raised, were listened to with a great degree of candour, and explanations sought with seeming seriousness concerning points bearing on Personal Religion.

In 5 Schools are reported 89 Boys, and a Girls' School contains 11 Girls. These are supported by the Gorruckpore Church

Missionary Association, as are also a Boys' and Girls' Seminary of about 12 each; in which the children are entirely maintained, and kept as much as may be from mixing with the population generally; and are taught some useful employment, as well as the rudiments of education. Burar.

The Corresponding Committee remark on this Station

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The appointment of Mr. J. Macleod to this Station was stated in the last Report. It appears that during the past year 5 Schools have been opened in adjoining villages, in which nearly 200 Boys have been prepared, so far as to be able, in four or five months, to read the Gospel, and commit to memory portions Substance of the of the poem called Bible." The expense of these Schools has been supplied by friends at the Station. Mr. Macleod's current duties are, Hindoostanee; one Service in English Social Worship three times a week in on Sunday Morning, and one in Hindoostanee in the evening. The children of the European Invalids are catechized on Fridays, and the Native Christian Women on Saturdays. "The Native Christian Women," Mr. Macleod writes,

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Concerning this Station, which it was the wish of the Parent Committee to re-inforce, with the view of securing to so vast and important a city more of Missionary labour, the Calcutta Corresponding Committee report as follows:

This Station has been strengthened by the arrival of the Rev. Messrs. Knorpp and Leupolt. The Rev. W. Smith has for some time past devoted a portion of most days to intercourse with the Natives, in some part or other of the city. The arguments with which he is often met, show that the Christian Scriptures are read by the Natives, and sometimes the objections urged must have been derived from European sources. In January last, Mr. Smith baptized a Hindoo: The first," he observes, " since I have been stationed here." This man received

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his first impressions respecting the truths of Christianity from a pious Officer at Furruckabad; and left the service he was then in, in quest of further instruction. In this pursuit he found his way to Benares, and, about three months before his baptism, was brought to Mr. Smith by one of his Readers, and eventually, on a satisfactory probation, was received into the Christian Church.

The Chapel in the Sepoy Lines is usually attended, on Sunday Morning, by nearly 40 Native Christians, and on Thursday Evening by about 30. Mr. Smith writes: "I am thankful to say, that, in reference to several of the Native Christians, I have much comfort and encouragement, and the Congregation generally hear the Word with much attention."

There are 3 Native Schools, containing 80 Boys, reading Genesis, St. Matthew's Gospel, Catechism, and Brief History of the Bible, all in Hindee. These Schools have been re-established only about fifteen months. The progress of the Boys for the time is reported as pleasing, and their answers to questions generally satisfactory.

Of Jay Narain Ghossaul's Charity School in the City, Mr. Smith reports, that he has been much pleased lately with the progress of the Boys. There are in usual attendance 167 Boys, viz. 56 acquiring English in two classes, 60 learning Persian, 20 in Bengalee, and 22 reading Hinduwee. In all these languages, the Christian Scriptures and a Catechism are read by the Scholars; besides which, the English Classes are instructed in Outline of Ancient History, Goldsmith's History of England, Blair's Universal Preceptor, Goldsmith's Grammar of Geography, Robinson's Grammar of History, and the Use of the Globes.

Chunar.

and steady perseverance in attending the Means of Grace, and the hunger and thirst manifested after the Ordinances of Religion by the Native Christian Congregation in general, and the constant testimonies we have of regard to the temporal as well as spiritual wants of their fellow creatures for the Lord's sake, give much encouragement to hope that the Lord is with us, though individual cases occur which call for humiliation. This is more especially among the Converts from Hea

thenism.

The Rev. W. Bowley has continued to itinerate throughout the neighbourhood, as in former years; and has visited Mirzapore, Jaunpore, and Buxar, going from village to village, and endeavouring to excite a spirit of inquiry in the minds of the people. At one place, an aged Rajah, a Brahmin and of great wealth, who has often heard the Gospel from Mr. Bowley, is spoken of as "all but a Baptized Christian." In the review of these labours, Mr. Bowley adds, I am by no means prepared to state that there is much prospect of the people renouncing their false ways and embracing Christianity in bodies at present, but I fully believe this will be the case by and bye."

Kurnaul.

The following communication is given by the Corresponding Committee, as having been made to them, respecting the proceedings of Anund Messeeh during the last year, by the Chaplain of that Station:

Anund during the past year has been actively engaged, as heretofore, in his work-teaching, preaching, visiting the sick, and distributing portions of the Sacred Scriptures.

At present he has about 30 Scholars. I found it necessary for Anund's encouragement, as well as to do a real

From a published Report of the good to some of the Boys who seemed the quickest to learn, to board a few. Proceedings of the Chunar Church They are employed in reading portions Missionary Association, the Correof the Scriptures, Catechisms, Geosponding Committee give the follow-graphy, Digdhurshun, &c. and really ing particulars.

It appears that, up to the end of the last year, the expenses of two Schools, the salaries of two Christian Readers, and the printing of 3900 Tracts, have been supplied by this Association.

Of the state of the Native Congregation in general, it is reported-"The union and love, the consistent conduct

understand a great deal, astonishingly well.

Anund's method of teaching is very simple, but appears to succeed in no small degree. He first instructs the Moonshee (a Hindoo), and the Head Boy, whom he designates the "Monitor," in the sense of the lesson, whatever it may be, to be learned, in the hearing of

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