learn that Mr. Campbell arrived at Graaf Reynet on the 14th of Sept. in his way homeward. He left Mr. and Mrs. Moffat at Griqua Town, in health and good spirits. Permission has been given by the Government to proceed with the missions beyond the Colony. We are also happy to find that additional land has been granted to the missionary settlement at Theopolis.

Dr. Philip reports, that at Cape Town his ministry has been blessed to several persons, and that the Society under his care appears to possess a truly missionary spirit.

INDIA

ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS IN INDIA:

A PIOUS Gentleman who resided in India for several years, and is well acquainted with the state of_religion there, has lately returned to England, and reports very favourably concerning the progress of Christianity in India: he says that every thing is encouraging, both among the Europeans and Natives. Of the Missionaries of various denominations he speaks in the highest terms of approbation; that they are truly pious, humble, zealous, and laborious; that they have by their good conduct procured the esteem of the natives, and that they are every where treated with respect. The prejudices of the Hindoos, and their attachment to caste, are certainly diminished; and many of the Brahmins themselves are becoming indifferent to their ancient superstitions, insomuch that some, who still rigidly adhere to them, are distinguished from their more liberal brethren by the name of "Ceremony_Brahmins.' Α peculiar circumstance has been noticed, which, though trifling in itself, proves that superstitious notions are giving way:-Formerly a Hindoo could not bear to touch a book bound in leather, because it was a profanation of the hide of his most sacred animal; but now many do not scruple to get a book so bound, after they have procured it in

boards.

were, he added, "Why then did you not let us have them long ago? you always had access to our Shasters; why did you keep back yours?"

It seems that God had been pleased to overrule even the horrors of war for beneficial purposes. The great success of the British arms appear deeply to have affected the minds of the natives, so that some of them say, "God is with you. You always conquer. We must all become Christians." In Candy, it is said that the people formerly placed much confidence in their great god BUDDHU, and pretended that he had assured them Candy should never be taken; but since it has been taken by the British, they say, "Buddhu has deceived us; we will not believe him any more!"

22

BELLARY.

Mr. REEVE, in a letter dated April 18, 1820, informs the Directors he had been under the necessity of taking Mrs. Reeve to Madras, with a view to the recovery of her health, and that there was reason to hope that her valuable life would be prolonged.

During his short stay at Madras, he got 2000 copies of Dr. Watts's First Catechism printed in Canara. Since

his return to Bellary, he has finished a tract entitled "The True Incarnation," which he has sent to be printed at Madras. Mr. Hands has finished the printing of the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.

Eagerness for Books.

Mr. Reeve says, "I think within the last six months we have disposed of more than 501.'s worth of Religious books and Tracts, and could sell as many more if we had them. This is a pleasing circumstance: a few years ago, a good book, in this part of India, was a rare object, the people had no relish for such things; but now they are sought after, and read with the greatest avidity. Such "signs of the times," gladden our hearts, and lead us to look for brighter days among Europeans in British India."

More Religious Books and Tracts wanted.

"The benevolent friends in England who are sending to these s hores from time to time, boxes of Doddridge's Rise and Progress-Baxter's Call-Alleine's Alarm-Bogue's Essay--Burder's Village Sermons, &c. know not how much they are expediting the approach of the latter-day glory. It is very reviving and animating to missionaries to see

how much they live in the affections of the British Israel, when reading at the close of the Evangelical Magazine the names of those who have, in such diversified methods, befriended the Society."

Paper wanted for printing Tracts.

"Give our generous friends at the Paper Mills a hint that we are establishing a Printing Press at Bellary, and that they would serve us much by sending a few bundles of their good paper, on which to strike off some millions of tracts, in three Oriental languages, and the Old Testament in Canara. The paper made in this country is in general very bad and very dear. It has struck me, that perhaps some of our kind friends in the papermanufactories could, with almost as little inconvenience, and perhaps with greater pleasure, give to a mission five guineas worth of paper as they now give their annual guineas to the Treasurer of the Society." *

Mr. Reeve observes," that on his late journey he had an opportunity of distributing a very large quantity of tracts, from which he hopes pleasing

results.

"Mr. Taylor, who was ordained some time ago at Madras, has not yet removed to his intended station at Complee, having been much afflicted with an intermitting fever, from which it is hoped he has nearly recovered. town contains 15,000 inhabitants.

The

"The brethren at Bellary have engaged a young man, born in the country, a Mr. Howell, to succeed Mr. Taylor. For the sake of being useful, he has relinquished a lucrative place under government, and is now diligently applying to appropriate studies for missionary work. He is able to converse rather fluently in four languages: the Canara, Teloogoo, Tamul, and Hindoostanee. He also takes charge of the native schools, pro tempore. The bre

thren much wish for a Catechist from

home, to undertake this important

business."

Earnest desire of the Natives for
Instruction.

Mr. Reeve says, "Mr. Howell and Anundarayer, the catechist, went last month to the annual feast at HUMPEE,

* After this passage was read at the Missionary prayer-meeting at Hackney, Mr. Aldersey, a wholesale stationer, generously sent printing-paper to the above amount, for the Mission at Bellary,

with a very large supply of gospels, tracts, &c. From the time of their arrival to that of their departure, they were thronged almost night and day by persons from all parts of the country, anxious to get some books from them. They sat down amidst many large assemblies of the people, and read to them the tract on "The True Incarna tion"-the Parables of the Sower, the Prodigal Son, the Talents, and spersing, occasionally, explanatory remany other portions of scripture, intermarks. They had also much conversation with the people, who seemed pleased, and expressed much satisfaction.

and

"The gospels and tracts in Canara, were distributed chiefly amongst persons from the far distant towns of Calliana, Culburga, Oomanabed, Belgaum, Chittledrog, Hullihale, several places in the Mysore country. The Teloogoo gospels, &c. to persons residing at Adwanny, Ghooty, Cuddapah, Gudwal, and Nellore, &c. &c. is spread far and wide. O that the Thus the precious seed of the kingdom dew of heaven may descend and render it fruitful!"

Effect of a single Tract.

"One evening while there, an old man from Mettikul, in the Hydrabad territory, came to Mr. Howell, and said that last year, amongst the books I distributed, a catechism was brought to his village by his son, who had procured it of one of the people. The perusal of this made some impression on his mind, and led him to inquire where it came from. On being informed that it came from Bellary, he was determined to travel thither to procure more. This

was his object in repairing to the feast, but as he had met with Mr. Howell there, his journey was much shortened. Having obtained a good supply, he returned, as Mr. Howell trusts, rejoicing

"A respectable person made many inquiries about Mr. Taylor's expected residence in Complee, and requested a Canarese gospel; upon receiving which, he observed that" we took much pains in making and giving away books, but expressed a desire that we would come and explain to them the meaning of difficult passages contained in them. He had, the year before, received a copy of the Sermon on the Mount, and now asked many questions respecting it.

"Mr. Reeve observes that the schools prosper, and the subscriptions towards

in India.

My feelings have been again roused to the consideration of that subject, by a letter from Mr. Pearson, in the Evangelical Magazine for the present month. "O that my head were waters, and my eyes fountains of tears, that I could weep day and night for the widows of India!" While I resided at Serampore, hearing that one of my Hindoo neigh bours intended to burn with the corpse of her husband, I went for the purpose of conversing with her, and found that she would be obliged to go out of Serampore for the purpose, as the Danish magistrate would not permit her to burn there. No sooner, however, did she apply to an English magistrate but she obtained leave to immolate herself on her husband's funeral pile! I was with her when the servant of this gentleman came with his permission. This announcement was a sore trial for her five children, for till now they had beeu kept in a state of doubt whether their poor mother would burn or not. never shall forget the screams of the eldest

I

son when he was told that he must set fire to the fuel at his mother's head!! I turned myself to a Brahmin and said, "Why do you suffer this?" He replied, "It is a very bad custom!" Thus you see that the Brahmins, themselves seem tired of the horrid practice, and are only waiting for authority from the "Company" to put an end to it. And are not the "Company" participating in the guilt till they do so? And are we quite sure that Christians in England will not fall under a similar charge until they use every means to prevail with persons in power, to bring this horrid practice to a perpetual end? I feel so much upon this painful subject, for I can never forget the cries of the orphans in India, that if any one who is competent should draw up a petition to His Majesty; if no one else would present it, I would, if permitted, take it to the throne myself; knowing that" the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, who can turn it as the rivers of water are turned." I am persuaded, were I in the presence of some of our honourable Members of Parliament, they would not deny me my request, and use their influence to stop this shocking practice. I am not in the habit of making apologies; if I were to make one for troubling you with this letter it should be," Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." ANN RANDALL.

Salisbury, Nov. 6, 1820.

REV. EDWARD PRITCHETt, one of tHE MISSIONARIES AT VIZAGAPATAM.

IN our last we mentioned, very briefly, the death of that valuable missionary, Mr. Pritchett, and now add a few particulars relating to that mournful event.

Mr. Gordon (one of his colleagues) in a letter to the secretary, dated 17th of June, 1829, thus writes: "It fell to my lot, this afternoon at 6 o'clock, to read the funeral service over the remains of Mr. Pritchett, whose sudden removal has produced indescribable sensations.

"On Sunday the 4th instant, just as he had finished his discourse in the morning, he felt a little sickness, and returned home indisposed. During the following week, his disorder assumed a bilious appearance; but it was not until Sunday the 11th, that any thing like anxiety was excited, and at that

time our fears ran much higher on account of Mrs. Pritchett, as the doctor expressed his concern for her in the strongest terms.

"After the morning service on the 11th, I went over, and found them both in one cot; Mrs. P. the very image of death, and poor brother P. writhing with pain, totally unable to help each other. Never do I recollect to have beheld a more distressing scene!

"It had been previously proposed that they should try what a change of air might effect; for Mrs. P. had been, for some time, ill with a fever prevalent in our settlement. On Monday the 12th, a house about two miles distant from our residence being prepared, they were removed thither, not without many fears on my part, and in the evening they felt themselves revived and comforted: But!-ere the morning dawned-poor brother Pritchett had been called away from this world of sin and sorrow, we trust, to a world where both are totally unknown.

"Mrs. Pritchett continues very weak and low; and our fears for her increase in consequence of this severe stroke. O that Almighty God may be the support of the widow, and the orphan's stay! We need your prayers, dear brethren, not more on account of the heathen than of ourselves.

"Mrs. Dawson had, at the time of Mr. Pritchett's death, been about in quest of health for two months; Mr. Dawson ill at the same time with a similar fever; and I, a poor creature, almost worn out by the climate."

Mr. Gordon, in a letter to Mr. Loveless of Madras, dated 13 June, informing him of this event, says:

"I

"I have the melancholy news of brother Pritchett's death to impart to you. Ah! how mysterious are the ways of our God! About three o'clock this morning, he drew his last breath."have just returned from bringing Mrs. Pritchett away from the scene of misery. She is as weak as possible, and that fever which is so prevalent here has made sad ravages on her constitution."

"Brother Pritchett was a remarkably strong man, you know, and never knew, any thing of sickness, and of late had become lusty, &c. Mrs. P. says that he uttered not a word ;-with regard to the exercises of his mind it were to be wished that he had; but the Lord best knows how we should die. Dear brother, I am a wonder here-so many attacks of

the liver, and yet spared; while one so strong and healthy is removed! How strange have been the Divine dipensations regarding our mission: one after another called away, and I (the most unlikely) to be spared, isbut I can write no more.'

The Rev. W. C. Loveless, in a Letter to

the Secretary, dated Madras, 23d of June 1820, says

I re

"IT has frequently fallen to my lot, since my residence at Madras, to communicate to you heavy tidings; and I lament that I must do so now. ceived, yesterday evening, from brother Gordon, the letter annexed. How afflicting the recital! How distressing the circumstances connected with it! Not only his dear wife left destitute and forlorn, with her four children, the youngest only three months old-herself near the gates of death, and should she survive, (though I every day expect to hear of her death) no means to bring up her children, nor support for herselfbut the cause of missions deprived of so healthy and laborious a missionary, in the work of translation, when he had a considerable portion of the Old Testament translated, and a fair prospect of completing the whole Bible in the Teloogoo language, a language spoken by such a vast population of these extensive regions-How mysterious the event! How does the great Head of the Church, in such instances, show that He is not dependent upon any of his creatures for carrying on his own work, and particularly in his dealings with the Vizagapatam Mission!--Dear Cran and Desgranges taken away; and now Pritchett, and sister Pritchett, (his first wife) and sister Gordon; and brother Gordon so frequently afflicted and laid by, and yet I am spared! How many have I seen removed, and yet I am continued, though able to do so little for the cause of missions! But God "giveth not account of any of his matters!"

ately take into consideration the situa"I hope the Directors will immedition of Mrs. Pritchett, with her four children, and send out specific directions concerning her."

[The Directors immediately wrote to Mr. Loveless, Mr. Gordon, and Mrs. Pritchett, with instructions respecting the support of the family.]

Mr. Loveless was misinformed; Mr. Pritchett has left a little property.

1

ULTRA GANGES MISSIONS.

DR. MILNE, in a letter dated Malacca, 5 Feb. 1820, says, "I have lately been reviewing the state of your Ultra Ganges Missions, and I hope it may safely be affirmed that their prospects are encouraging: while there is much to damp our spirits, there is a great deal more calculated to inspire cheerful hope. Knowledge is spreading; the number of youth connected with the missions is increasing; opportunities for circulating tracts are more numerous than ever; and the heathen are more frequently visited in their own houses than formerly. True, these things do not constitute actual success, but the means must be first used, and we have reason to hope that in due time the blessing will follow. -Mr. Fleming has joined our number, and he is about to commence the study of the Chinese."

[Dr. Milne has composed a little book of Practical Sermons, on twelve important subjects. He intends, if spared, to carry on these discourses to the number of fifty-two; one for every sabbath in the year, which may be read in families, &c.

He is also preparing for the press, A Pamphlet on the Missionary, Tract, and Bible Societies.]

Mr. Fleming, in his letter dated Malacca, 28 Feb. 1819, states, that he arrived there on the 29th of January, with Mrs. Fleming, whom he married at Madras. Being disappointed of a passage direct from that place, he was obliged first to sail to Calcutta, which city he left Nov. 7th. "We en

countered," he says, "two severe gales in the Bay of Bengal. We were detained on the north coast of Sumatra, by calms, &c. nearly six weeks. While there, we had the satisfaction of seeing the usurper of the throne of Acheen, and the murderer of Sabat, driven from his scene of piracy and bloodshed.

"We stopped three days at Penang. Our dear brethren and sisters received us most kindly. They are labouring assiduously, and I think with tokens of success. They are much respected and highly spoken of by all. Penang seems a promising missionary field.

"I have commenced the study of Chinese, and find great advantage from the introductory books published by Dr. Morrison. May the Holy Spirit enable me to comprehend that difficult language, so as to make known the great truths of the Bible to the people who speak it."

MAURITIUS AND MADAGASCAR.

A LETTER written by Mr. Le Brun and Mr. David Jones, dated 26 Aug. 1820, has just been received. They state that during the prevalence of that fatal disease, the Cholera Morbus, in the months of November, December, and January last, by which thousands of the inhabitants were cut off, the people in general were filled with consternation; many left their abodes in the town, and fled to the mountains and woods for safety, so that the place was almost depopulated; the chief objects visible in the streets, were carts laden with the bodies of the dead; while those who continued in the town, relinquished their Sunday visits, feasts, balls, plays, &c. and crowded the Catholic church and the Missionary chapel, (for the English church was shut up for a time.) Many were in tears, as if sensible of their sins, and afraid of the Divine displeasure; so that a considerable reformation was hoped for: but no sooner was the danger over, than all these flattering prospects vanished, and produced no more effect than a shower of rain which had fallen on a rock.

In February last, a Catholic Bishop and four priests (sent by the English government, for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Mauritius, and others east of the Cape) arrived, and entered very zealously on the duties of their offices. They were warmly received by the Catholics, and by some of the Protestants also. They have been engaged in baptizing old and young, whites, creoles, and blacks; in receiving confessions, giving absolutions, and bestowing benedictions. On the 28th of July last, when the sacrament was administered to about 60 young ladies, by Monseigneur l' Eveque, the guns were fired on the fortress by the English Artillery. After the ceremony a sumptuous breakfast was given by the Bishop to these young communicants, which was honoured with the presence of several protestant ladies of distinction. In the evening a concert was given at the Bishop's house.

In another Letter from Mr. Jones, dated Port Louis, August 19, 1820, he states, that, through the goodness of God, he is perfectly recovered from that long and obstinate malady he endured when in Madagascar; he has not however recovered his former strength. It was Mr. Jones's intention to leave the Mauritius about the close of the month, to visit Madagascar. The