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John Williams, the son of Williamu, came, he brought Mr. Gill from Rarotonga, and we greatly desired that he should remain and dwell constantly in our midst; but he told us he would write to the Society, and tell them of our desire for a Missionary. We ceased not to pray to God; and now we have obtained our desire-here is Gili [they call me Gili to distinguish me from my brother] and his wife, and their child. We see them all, and rejoice that they are come.

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And now we are building a large stone house for the worship of the only true God. It is a large house, and a good house. Great

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has been our joy, and now let it continue. Great has been the compassion of our God. If He had not compassionated us we should still have been held bound in the strong hand of Satan, the god of this world. If He had not sent his servants and his word to our land, we should still be killing one another, body and soul. Our darkness of heathenism would have been great and awful; but now we can say, The people that sat in darkness have seen a great light; and now to Him, who has blessed us with light, blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever! Amen.

INDIA.

MADRAS. BAPTISM OF SIX HINDOOS.

Our devoted brethren at Madras continue to enjoy abundant and decisive manifestations of the divine benediction in connection with their public labours among the benighted multitudes of this idolatrous city. Early in May last our brother, Mr. Drew, transmitted the following delightful intelligence to the Directors :

It is my grateful task to report further proofs of the divine blessing on our poor attempts to serve the Lord in the midst of this idolatrous people., Would that we could serve Him more worthily!

On Sabbath morning, April 18th, six persons were baptized into the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Two of these are an old idolater and his wife, who have grown grey in the service of Satan, but whom the Lord has mercifully visited and called into his vineyard at the eleventh hour. The old man is nearly blind, but firm and stout in his appearance. He was a Pandaram, or wandering devotee of Sivan -a leader in the worship of the evil oneand still bears in his body the marks of his ancient zeal. His neck behind is swollen and hardened from the heavy blows he used to inflict on himself with a ponderous mace, when in a state of devilish enthusiasm in the presence of his idol. It was very affecting to hear such a man confess his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and declare his renunciation of all idols.

The confession of his wife was very striking. She is an intelligent and decided woman, and retains remarkable vigour of mind. Her voice filled the chapel, and by its tones and the energy of her expressions delighted the whole congregation.

"Have you forsaken," I asked, "the worship of idols?"

"I have forsaken it," said she, "I have utterly forsaken it."

"Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ ?"

"I do believe in him-I firmly believe in him," was her emphatic reply.

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The whole service was one of much blessing. The congregation was large, amounting to nearly 300 persons. I preached from the command of our Lord, “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;" explaining to them the nature of Christian baptism-what it is, and what it is not. The presence of four persons, once idolaters, who were that morning to put on Christ by baptism according to his own words, gave a most impressive vividness to his command. We thought the Lord Jesus Christ evidently before us. The separating centuries were forgotten, and we seemed to be placed in the midst of apostolic days. Christianity was new and beautiful and glorious to us, as it first flowed from the lips of our Divine Redeemer. It was an hour of blessing and of power from the Holy Ghost.

On Sabbath last, two of the elder girls or Mrs. Porter's School were also baptizeda further blessing upon her devoted efforts. They have been several years in her School, and they have lately been under my instruction, in a weekly Bible-class. I have

been much satisfied with their knowledge of Christianity, and their hearty and earnest preference of it to the heathenism of their own country. The service was a time of blessing. Four more of the children have also expressed a desire to consecrate themselves to the Lord by baptism. These are younger than the others; and, though there was much reason to be pleased with their apparent state of mind, I thought it better for them to wait a little longer. The following incident will illustrate this immaturity, while it also affords a pleasing proof of ingenuousness and christian sensibility. In the course of a personal conversation with each of the girls, I said to one of those whose baptism is deferred,

"Well, and do you continue to engage in private prayer?"

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Yes," was the reply.

Did you pray this morning?" "No."

"You have an evil heart;" I said, "the world is a sinful world; Satan is a powerful enemy. How do you expect to overcome all these difficulties-by your own strength or how ?"

"By the power of the Holy Ghost." "Quite true-and how will you get the Holy Spirit?"

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"By prayer."

If any temptation had come to you today, how could you expect that the Holy Spirit would help you to overcome it, since you did not pray that He might do so?"

Convicted in her own conscience, the dear child bent down her head, and could not get courage to lift it up again during the whole conversation, while her tears flowed in a stream. The Great Shepherd has surely called these children to be the lambs of his flock. They seem to be the subjects of much religious feeling, and were nearly all affected to tears during the conversation.

You will not, however, conclude, that we have all joy and no trials in our work. Sources of sorrow are not wanting, in instances of weakness, and declension, and evil; but, as a whole, the church is in health-it lives and thrives-and I am full of thankfulness and joy.

PROSPECTS OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE TELOOGOO COUNTRY. In the following communication, our brethren at Vizagapatam convey their impressions relative to the general condition of the native mind, representing it as trembling on the verge of a great moral revolution, and full of the elements of hope :

There is much to mourn over, (they observe,) and much to excite our thankfulness. We have still to contemplate the case of a people without Christ and without hope: not that we would be understood to say, that no visible impression has been made on the mass of heathenism around us. We mourn over perishing souls, and long to see more amongst them affording satisfactory evidence that in the faith of Jesus they have found deliverance. Nothing short of this will or ought to satisfy us or the Churches of Christ. Still, in the signs of dissatisfaction apparent among all classes of the community, viewed in connection with the amount of knowledge which they possess concerning the redemption of Christ, we would fain believe we discern grounds for the hope that "times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord" are not far distant.

That the idols are losing their hold on the confidence of the people may, we think, be safely inferred from two facts. First, the vast numbers who everywhere profess to have adopted the philosophic Deism, known by the name of Vedantism. was formerly noticed; but, during the past

This

year, the fact has been more fully brought under our observation. Vedantism is the form of Hindooism chiefly avowed by those who come forward, by means of the Press and Public Associations, to defend the religion of their fathers. Those champions of the ancient Faith are, in general, totally devoid of all religious feeling, and, contrary to their own avowed principles, uphold some of the lowest forms of Superstition. As it is not likely that the mass of a religious people like the Hindoos can ever be brought to such a state as this, or at least that they can be retained in it for any length of time, we cannot but regard their present state of mind as furnishing a strong motive to Christians to do more than has ever yet been done to bring the Gospel to bear upon them.

Another circumstance, well deserving of notice, is the wide-spread conviction-especially among the villagers that their famous goddess Durga, or Kali, to whom, in consequence of the prevalence of Cholera, so much additional homage has been paid during the last thirty years, is, after all, not worthy of their confidence. This year that mysterious scourge made great havoc among

the people, and another form of worship has been adopted to avert it. This is termed Ramabhagana, and is performed, as the word indicates, in honour of the redoubtable Rama, who is expected to be more easily propitiated than the wrathful demon whom he supersedes. We have everywhere found the villagers strongly excited on this sub

ject. Any reference to it, or any doubt expressed regarding the propriety of the "new way," is sure to command their immediate and close attention. O may they soon discover that all their gods are but idolsvanity and a lie; and turn unto the God who made and redeemed them.

Mr. Hay, in returning from a visit to Madras, enjoyed some favourable opportunities of preaching the Gospel by the way. In several of the villages, even those nearest the public road, he found that the people scarcely knew even the name of Christ:

This, (observes our brother,) is truly melancholy. Without let or hindrance, the Gospel may be boldly proclaimed in every village and hamlet of the land, and yet it is not proclaimed. During my journey it struck me (and the impression was deepened by further intercourse with villages in other districts,) that this country suffers from a strange idea which seems to possess the minds of manv,-that a higher order of intellect, a superior education, ability to meet in argument the subtle Brahmin, are indispensable qualifications in Missionaries to the Hindoos. This, I firmly believe, is a mistake, and it operates in various ways to the prejudice of the Hindoo.

What we want is a large band of simpleminded men of God-warm friends of Jesus -lovers of the souls of men-well acquainted with their Bibles, and able to learn and use freely a new language. Their

business would be to wander among the villages, two and two, in a certain extent of country, visiting often, and at short intervals, the same people. They would, no doubt, meet with opposition from Brahmins and others, but it is of no use to argue with them. A warm appeal to the consciences of the by-standers I have uniformly found more powerful to silence and put them to shame than any amount of the closest reasoning. Can we not have two or three score of such a class? Are there none such to be found among the Churches of the Saints? It may be said, men of Indian growth ought to be employed. True: and, by-and-by, perhaps they may; but the emergency is urgent, and the men are not, at present, to be had. We want British energy, perseverance, and zeal, sanctified by the Spirit of God, to lead the van.

DEATH OF WILLIAM JAY'S NATIVE TEACHER.

THE able and devoted Native Evangelist, who laboured for several years at Coimbatoor, as the representative in the Missionary field of the Christian friends in Bath, by whom he was supported, has finished his work of mercy, and entered into rest. It will gratify many of our readers, especially those kind friends by whom he was maintained, to peruse the following brief notice of his personal history and christian labours, furnished by Mr. Addis; succeeded by a few passages from his last journal of Missionary Service :

This valuable Native Teacher, while out in the district itinerating, was seized with cholera; and, after a short but severe period of suffering, died in the midst of the heathen, whose spiritual good he was seeking, in a village about thirty miles from his own station at Avenashy.

He was formerly in Government employ in Coimbatoor; but, about thirteen years ago, relinquished his appointment, (having become a convert to Christianity some time before,) for the purpose of devoting himself to his fellow-countrymen. This was effected at a considerable pecuniary sacrifice to himself, and much reluctance on the part of those in authority. After the usual course

of preparation in the Theological Prepa-
ratory Class, he was appointed a Teacher,
and stationed successively at several Out-
stations, under the designation of "William
Jay," being supported by friends who are
members of the church under the justly
celebrated Minister of that name.
He was

a clear and bold Preacher of the Gospel,
was well known throughout the Province,
and highly respected; and, at the time of
his death, he was about to remove with his
family to the town of Coimbatoor, to take
the place of the lamented Vathanayakum,
who died some weeks before. He has
left a widow, who was his faithful help-
mate during the whole period of his pub-

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The extracts of his journal are as follow: Nov. 2.-I went into the town of Coimbatoor this morning, and made known the way of salvation to a number of people. I returned, and at noon we (the Catechists) met Mr. Addis for instruction, as usual. I went into the bazar-street in the afternoon, and addressed many people concerning the way of salvation through Christ.

Nov. 3.-I went into a part of the town this morning, and addressed a large assembly of people concerning the way of salvation: they received me in a friendly manner, and several persons applied for books. I returned, and at noon we (the Catechists) had our usual exercise. I made known the way of salvation to some people in a part of the town this afternoon, and attended evening service at Narrain-street, Bungalow Chapel.

Nov. 4.-I addressed some people in a part of the town this morning. I returned, and at noon we had our usual exercise. I went into the bazar-street in the afternoon, read a tract to a large assembly of people, and made known to them the way of salvation. I returned, and in the evening attended the Tamil Prayer-meeting for the spread of the Gospel.

Nov. 5.-I left Coimbatoor for my station (Avenashy) this morning. Visited the villages Neelamboor and Kenneeoor, and made known the way of salvation to a number of people. Arrived at the village Karroomattampatty, and put up for the night. Nov. 12.- This being market-day at

DEATH OF MRS. ROSS IN WE are deeply concerned to state, that in formation has been received of the death of Mrs. Ross, the devoted wife of the Rev. William Ross, of Touns, in the Bechuana Country. Our bereaved brother, who shares our strong and fraternal sympathy under his heavy affliction, thus conveys the mournful intelligence in a letter dated December 16:

"Our Heavenly Father has seen it good to lay upon us His afflicting hand, that we may bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness, and be rightly exercised thereby. In the latter part of September, my beloved partner began to be afflicted with an epidemic, at that time raging in our District in the form of chronic dysentery. Making use of all the knowledge within our reach, we applied the usual remedies with very considerable effect. At last when the disease seemed to be checked, the intense pain becoming less severe; and as cheering symptoms of convalescence appeared, we thought of visiting our dear

Avenashy, I went out and addressed a great number of people on the way of salvation through Christ: all received me in a very friendly manner, and many persons applied for books. I returned, and had evening service as usual, when I read and expounded John iii.

Nov. 13. I went to the village Nassoovanpalliam, this morning, read the tract "Divine Knowledge," to a number of people, and made known the way of salvation to them. I returned, and in the afternoon I addressed some people in the town. I had evening service as usual, when I read and expounded John iv.

Nov. 14.-I went to the village Thavarayampalliam, read the book, "The Hindoo Triad," to an assembly of people, and made known to them the way of salvation: all heard me gladly, and some persons applied for books. I returned, and had my usual service in the evening, when I read and expounded John v.

Nov. 23. I visited the villages Aisukavendanpalliam, Kooppaandampalliam, and Oochakavendanvallasu, and made known the way of salvation to many people. After this I went to the village Koonnatoor; and as it was market-day, I went out and read some books to a great number of people, addressed them concerning the way of salvation, and distributed books, &c. they received me in a very friendly manner..

Nov. 30.-I went to the villages Soongakaanpalliam, Naddoovallasoo, and Saanaarpalliam, and made known to a number of people the way of salvation through Christ.

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THE BECHUANA COUNTRY. friends at Motito and Kuruman. After a short preparation, we proceeded on our hopeful journey, sometimes cheered with the idea that all danger was past; at other times grieved to witness the disease returning with the most dangerous symptoms. To Motito we came, where we were kindly received, and readily welcomed. Of course we submitted ourselves to their greater skill and larger experience of this most inveterate disease. To our consolation our friends adopted the same course that we had pursued. For a short time we were almost disposed to think there was a change for the better; but, after three short days, we began to observe symptoms of approaching dissolution. Her last night was spent without any pain; and, as through the whole course of her distress, in complete resignation to the will of her Heavenly Father, at eleven o'clock, A. M., of December 5th, without sigh or groan, she breathed her last, and entered into the joy of her Lord."

The following communication from Mrs. Moffat, addressed to her son in England, contains some additional particulars of this afflictive event:

"You will be grieved to hear that death has been thinning our ranks. Dear Mrs. Ross has been removed from this world of change, when she could be ill spared, and left her husband in total solitude; since his three little ones cannot be with him in a heathen community without the care of a mother. They had been much tried by the conduct of the Chief Mahura, in leaving the locality where he resided, and setting his face to go into the interior, where every bodyboth Missionaries and Natives-deprecated his approach; fearing that his intrusion into other dominions would give rise to wars and contentions. All, excepting Mr. and Mrs, Ross, saw alike on the subject; while they indulged the brightest possible views, and cheerfully followed the Chief to the wilder

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and tying them in bundles. This was too much for her: exposed to the hot sun and withering wind, she caught cold; and this was followed by an attack of acute dysentery, against which she struggled for several weeks. At last they set off to come hither. She suffered much on the road, and in seven days arrived at Motito; but was not able to come farther. There every thing was done for her that tenderness and kindness could suggest, but all in vain-in four days she expired in the exercise of faith, and hope, and resignation.

"No one but Mrs. R. herself, and Mrs. Lemue, were apprehensive that the event was so near. We only heard of her illness on the morning of the day on which she died: just when I was ready to go and render what assistance I could, the letter arrived announcing her death. Mr. Ashton and I went for the children. We have taken the eldest; Mr. Ashton has received the next; and Mrs. Lemue has kept the baby.

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، Mr. Ross stopped ten days at Motito, and returned to his duty. He has been most sadly taken by surprise; for his wife was the strongest woman in this part of the Missionary field. She was enabled to adapt herself well to the circumstances of new Missions among barbarians, and could not be prevailed upon to spare herself. She was much beloved by the Natives, and to her husband she was the best of wives."

DEATH OF MRS. PATERSON, AT BERHAMPORE.

We are also called to fulfil the mournful task of announcing the decease of Mrs. Paterson, of the Berhampore Mission, Bengal, in the month of April last. Our afflicted brother, Mr. Paterson, in conveying the tidings of his sorrowful bereavement, writes as follows:

"It is my painful duty to communicate the intelligence of the death of my beloved wife. She died suddenly on the evening of the 18th of April, after giving birth to a son, who survives her. The immediate cause of her death was an effusion of water. in the chest. But though her death was unexpected, she was, blessed be God! prepared for it, having long lived in habitual readiness for the summons, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go out to meet Him!' Her end was Was peace. . . She fell asleep in Jesus, whose name was on her lips till she breathed out her soul, about an hour before the close of the earthly Sabbath:

she is gone to be for ever with the Lord! O what consolation does this assurance afford me, under my heavy affliction and grievous loss!

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، Her removal is felt, not by me alone, but by all in or out of the Mission who knew her, to be a loss indeed, as she was greatly beloved and esteemed both by the European and Native Inhabitants. And now Berhampore is left without a female Missionary, to superintend, counsel, and instruct in the ways of God, the native christian women and girls. She had looked forward with much pleasure to resuming this work of the Lord, and hoped to have been made useful among them. It was in her heart, but He saw fit to order it otherwise, doubtless for wise and good reasons. We shall one day see what we now feel a comfort in believing, That He hath done all things well."

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