TRINIDAD.

Trinidad has been called the Indian Paradise. It was discovered by Columbus on his third voyage, in 1498, and was then densely inhabited by Caribs, whose disposition is represented as mild and industrious. The inhabitants now are chiefly Europeans and negroes; but a few hundreds are left of the aborigines. They have fallen before the edge of the sword, Spanish cruelty and outrage, and European vices.

The soil is fertile, and the land covered with gigantic and magnificent vegetation. Forests of palms, groves of citrons, hedges of spices and perfumes, beautiful rivers, surmounted by a deep azure sky, render the interior of the island a scene of unequalled beauty. Beneficial and abundant dews cool and invigorate the atmosphere, and give a vigorous luxuriance to vegetation. The forests are filled with trees of the noblest growth, among whose gnarled roots the traveller with difficulty picks his way. The margins of the rivers are hid in the dense foliage of the cocoa-tree, here and there interspersed with the brilliant and golden foliage of the Bois immortel, a lofty umbrageous tree, covered with clusters of scarlet blossoms of exceeding brightness, and shining like brilliant velvet in the rays of the sun; while the lovely butterfly-plant, fluttering on its almost invisible stalk, adds beauty and variety to the traveller's path. The low grounds are marshy, and the passage through them rendered extremely difficult by the entangled vegetation which covers them.

Amid these glorious scenes labour our brethren Law and CowEN, assisted by eight other teachers. During the last year twenty-two persons were baptized, and there have been gathered from the degraded population about 120 persons into Christian fellowship-plants that shall flourish in the Paradise of God.

INDIA.

CALCUTTA.

The hope expressed by our brother THOMAS in the Missionary Herald for November, has, through Divine mercy, been fulfilled. On the last Lord's day in September six believers made a public profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at Bow Bazar, consecrating themselves to Him in baptism, and were admitted to full communion on the following sabbath. In a letter dated November 8th, Mr. THOMAS further informs us, that "brother Leslie baptized a European last sabbath, and on the same day brother PEARCE baptized a man, formerly a Mussulman. I hope to baptize at the close of the month. Thus you see we are not left without some tokens for good, and if we can but get over the difficulty about funds, I hope we shall yet see better days."

MONGHIR.

Under date of October 31, 1849, our brother LAWRENCE favours us with the following communication. His remarks on the deficiency of the Society's funds, the present wants of India, the encouraging prospects daily enlarging before our

missionary brethren, and the self-denial endured in his missionary life by our esteemed brother, will be found worthy of particular attention.

Retrenchment.

It is with deep regret I learn that the therefore, of little use for me to write more Society continues so much in debt, and that on this subject, as both means and agents are in consequence it is necessary to restrict the wanting. I pray "the Lord of the harvest" operations of the Society within narrower to dispose the hearts of his people to greater limits. I hope that this will be only a tem- liberality, and to send forth more labourers porary measure. Surely there must be silver into this part of the missionary field. and gold enough amongst the baptists in Britain to enable the Society to maintain all its usual operations with vigour. After all the good that has been accomplished by means of the Society, surely none can fail to see its growing worth and importance. And can it be that when the Society is advancing in usefulness, the professed friends of the Redeemer in our denomination are declining in zeal and liberality? I hope that this is not the case. But from whatever cause the deficiency of funds has arisen, it is deeply to be deplored. It is most painful to reflect that the amount of pecuniary aid afforded to the East India Mission must be curtailed just at a time when we need more help in every way. We want more men, as well as

more money.

Wants of Paina and its vicinity.

Some of the Society's stations cannot be maintained much longer without a more liberal supply of both. Patna has now no missionary belonging to our Society. The Refuge and the church have been broken up by Mr. Beddy's removal. And though there is one valuable missionary there, who, I have no doubt will do all he can in looking after the few believers that remain, as well as in preaching to the unbelieving; yet what is one man in so large a city? It is very much to be lamented that our Society has not an agent to go to Patna immediately; there is abundance of room, not for one only, but for three or four missionaries. Not only is there a vast population in the city of Patna, but there are many towns and villages around it, which must be supplied with the light of the gospel from Patna. Gya is about sixty miles from Patna, and is a very important place in the estimation of the Hindoos. Vast numbers of pilgrims from all parts of India visit there, and generally remain for a week, or two weeks, so that there are good opportunities of preaching the gospel to them. But at this place there is no missionary, and there is not one residing nearer than Patna. Behar and Tikaree are two large towns, with no missionary nearer than Patna. Several other large places I might name, which have no missionary nearer to them than Patna; but you are doubtless fully aware of the importance of having our mission re-established in that large city, and I feel persuaded that the Committee would most gladly send agents there if it were in their power; it is,

In reference to the resolutions on reduction of expenditure, to which you have called our attention, I may remark that you are doubtless aware they can scarcely be considered applicable to Monghir. As we draw from the Society's funds nothing but our own salary, it is impossible for us to reduce our allowance from the Society except by giving up a portion of them. To relinquish any portion of my salary would subject me to difficulties, for although we live in a very economical style, we have nothing to spare at the year's end. I have never drawn the full extra allowance for a missionary's family, and since I have been at Monghir I have kept the mission house in repair out of my salary, in order that I might spare the funds of the Mission. And, excepting about 600 rupees realized from the proceeds of the Digha houses, with which I built a large wall to secure the house against the encroachments of the river, and partly rebuilt a stable, I have never drawn any extra sums from the funds of the Society. I am not sure, however, that the resolution No. 4 is intended to apply to the salaries of the brethren. I do hope that the Society will not be so urgently pressed as to make it necessary to reduce the salaries of their agents; but should this be the case, I will cheerfully bear my share of the burden.

Liberality of the church al Monghir.

You are aware that we have local funds by which all the current expenses of the Monghir station, our salaries excepted, are defrayed. These expenses amount now to

more than £7 a month.

the Society in its difficulties, have been exSome of our members, sympathizing with erting themselves to collect contributions towards liquidating the debt. Already 300 rupees, or £30, have been collected, and we hope to realize something more, when the amount will be forwarded to Mr. Thomas.

Prospects.

No additions have been made to our congregations, or to the church, since last May, of importance. We anticipate an increase to both in a few months. Several of the inquirers in our Christian community continue to afford us satisfaction, and it is probable

that some baptist friends from other stations to take a pleasing degree of interest in what will take up their residence here.

Account of tour.

During the greater part of August, and the first half of September, I was from home in company with our native brother Nainsukh. We visited the villages on the banks of the Gunduk, a stream flowing into the Ganges a little below Monghir. We visited about sixty-two different places, gave about 154 addresses to as many as 5647 hearers, and distributed about 50 single gospels, and 200 tracts and other books. Very few of the village people are able to read, the distribution of books was therefore small. Our reception by the people in general was encouraging. We found on this occasion very little of that bitterness of feeling and decided opposition which were manifested when we visited them a few years ago. In many villages our hearers appeared

was said to them; some of the poor people even offered us pice and food. One poor woman, after listening to Nainsukh for some time, expressed her approbation of what she heard, and desired her son to present him with two annas (3d.), begging him to do her the favour to accept of it, and apologizing for the smallness of the sum. She said many brahmans and teachers had come to her house for what they could get, but none had ever told her such excellent things as she had then heard! Such incidents serve to show that the preaching of the gospel makes an impression even upon the apathetic Hindoos, and to strengthen our belief that it will be instrumental, through the power of God, in the salvation of their souls. Though conversions have been few at present, still our hopes are brightening. India at no yery distant period will be converted unto God.

In a letter of earlier date, September 28th, to a relative, Mr. LAWRENCE enters somewhat more into detail than in the above. After referring to the receipt of Evangelical Christendom from some kind friend, he continues,

We have also heard from Mr. Brock's bible-class. The letter is a very excellent one; sensible, and full of Christian affection

Idolatry failing.

At a Hindoo festival which has just been and sympathy. We were much gratified concluded, it was customary in former years to with it, and shall be glad to hear from them make a large subscription among the rich again. It would be a delightful thing for natives, to get up a farce in honour of their god the Society if all the young people connected Ram; but this year, with one or two exceptions, with the baptist churches in Britain felt in- none were found willing to contribute, and conterested in its operations, and would exert sequently the farce fell to the ground. One themselves according to their abilities to help reason assigned by those who declined giving the good cause. Then, I believe, the Society I have been told was, they thought what the would not be long in debt. I hope its pre-burlesque on religion, and an insult to God, Christians say is true, viz., that this farce is a

sent difficulties will arouse the churches to

Interesting journey.

exert themselves on its behalf. It is painful Such incidents show, I think, that the preachand therefore they would not give any more. indeed, that the Society should be obliged to curtail its operations in India now, for I be-ing of the gospel does make some impression lieve that India never appeared more proon the native mind, though not all we desire. mising, and never more needed increased help then it does at present. A great deal more might be done if we had more missionaries and more money to carry on more extended operations; but as these will not come at our bidding, we must patiently wait, earnestly pray, and press on in the best way we can, until the Lord shall be pleased to appear for our help.

Additions to the church.

At this place we have had some encouraging additions lately. In April we baptized three Europeans, and we hope to baptize again soon. There are several natives who appear to be concerned for the salvation of their souls. The services which we hold for the benefit of the heathen continue to be well attended. Though many have not been converted, still these services have not been without some good effects.

In my late journey with our native Christian preacher, Nainsukh, I met with several encouraging incidents, which led me to believe that the villagers generally have a much more favourable opinion of Christians, and Christianity, than they used to have. Villages in which we could obtain no hearers two or three years ago, when visited on this occasion we found the inhabitants ready to receive us with great respect. Men, women, and children came round us, and seating themselves on the ground, listened for an hour or two with great attention while we explained to them the truths of the gospel, and exposed the follies of Hindooism.

On one occasion a poor man who had heard me speak for some time, offered me a portion of his food (which consisted of a kind of melon, very cominon food among the poor in the months of July and August), saying

that he was sorry he had nothing else to East India Company, that now ruled over

offer me.

Native ideas of the incarnation. At another place I visited the house of a respectable zemindar, or landholder, and as I approached it I feared that I might be driven away with abuse, but to my surprise I was most politely received, and after being seated, between twenty and thirty persons came together, who all listened very attentively while I spoke to them of man's ruin by sin and the way of salvation by Christ. No interruption was offered until they found that I insisted on Christ's being the only Saviour. This they were unwilling to admit. "They would not deny that Jesus Christ was an incarnation of the Deity, but so was Ram, and therefore Ram and Jesus Christ were the same, only differing in the time and manner of the incarnation. The Deity had become incarnate at various times and in various modes, and in these last days, in this dark and evil age, he had become incarnate in the person of the Hon.

all India. The Hon. East India Company was therefore Ram in a different form, and was consequently entitled to the homage due to Ram. And," said the chief speaker, "I believe Ram is in every sahib (or European); and since Ram has given them the sovereignty of the country, of course it is my duty to treat every sahib with profound respect." The poor deluded man was so very consistent with his profession, that he received us with all honour, but it was not for Christ's sake, alas! it was for Ram's sake, whom the poor deluded man believed to be in us. We laboured long and hard to dispel some of the darkness from his mind, but all our efforts were apparently fruitless. He tried to behave with all deference, but he still retained his awful opinions. From this case you will perceive what fearful ignorance, error, and obstinacy we have often to contend with. What can be done without Divine help? How much do we need that our dear Christian friends should strive together with us in prayer to God that this help may be granted.

SAGOR.

Acting upon the peremptory advice of the physician, our brother MAKEPEACE is on his way to England. His health has for some time been failing, and he is at last constrained to leave his station for a more invigorating clime. He leaves at a most interesting moment. "On the first sabbath in October," he says, "it was my privilege to baptize an interesting young man on a profession of his repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Another excellent individual had been accepted by the church, and would have been baptized, had not indisposition prevented. This is truly an exciting time with me. Though so many have been baptized, yet there is a greater number of individuals upon whom we can look with interest and hope, than at any previous period." Thus our brother is laid aside, in the all-wise counsel of God, at the season his labours are bearing richest fruit. Their very toilsomeness and success involving the decay of the labourer.

CEYLON.

COLOMBO.

Our last Herald conveyed the afflicting intelligence of the decease of our esteemed missionary Mr. DAVIES, in a letter from our brother DAWSON. Mr. ALLEN, under date of the 15th November, has communicated some further particulars of his last days. A month previous it had been arranged that brother ALLEN should remove to Colombo to assist Mr. DAVIES, and to carry out the reductions proposed by the Committee. Mr. ALLEN therefore now occupies the station.

One of our little band is no longer an has said to him, "It is enough, come up inhabitant of this lower world. The Master hither, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

You, dear brother, and the society have We watched him night and day during his lost an able man and missionary, and the last illness, which though short, was severe. two surviving missionaries have lost one, who, He had been so reduced by the old com- though cut off in early life, at thirty-four plaint, that it was manifest he had not years of age, was mature in mind, sound in strength to grapple with so fearful an enemy judgment, and wise in counsel, and an able as dysentery, and we saw his strength dimin- fellow-labourer-God's will be done. ish, and his pains increase, until death made him to bow himself. It was painful at times to behold him in such circumstances, and yet it was good to be there, to mark the triumphs of grace over every weakness and infirmity of human nature, and at last over the great enemy, death. He triumphed