named Pudma, and is a large and populous some to overcome the natural propensity town. A few miles lower down there is for home service, that, overpowered by held a weekly market, when hundreds of the constraining love of Christ, they may people assemble to expose for sale their throw themselves into missionary work various articles of merchandize. We read abroad!. The year may be divided into and expounded at this place Dr. Wilson's three seasons-the hot, from the beginning Tract on Hinduism. Our discourse prin- of March till the middle of June, when the cipally consisted of strokes against rains descend and continue until October; idolatry. No subject attracted the atten- the cold season then begins, and continues. tion of our audience so much as arguments till February. In the beginning of April, against idolatry; but our object was not and sometimes earlier, particularly in this only to lead our countrymen to abandon part of Bengal, there are frequent storms idolatry, but to impart unto them that of thunder, lightning, and rain, from the knowledge which alone would make them north-west quarter, which tend to refresh wise unto salvation. With this view, we and purify the atmosphere indeed, but announced to them the simple truth that which are sometimes attended with loss of God so loved the world that he gave his life and property. Such a violent squall only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth passed over this station about a fortnight on him should not perish, but have ever- ago. In one village, 18 miles above lasting life. Surdah is situated on the left Nababgunge, where we have established bank of the Ganges, and is noted for Mr. our first vernacular Christian school, 100 Watson's silk factory. Two miles lower people were killed, 35 wounded, besides down there is a considerable village, whose 400 cattle destroyed. Immense trees and inhabitants inquired what led us to em- clumps of bamboos were torn up by the brace Christianity. We seized this oppor- roots, and carried to a considerable distunity of declaring the method of salvation tance. Of the huts which composed the purchased by Christ. village there is not a vestige left. Much Rampore Bauleah, as you know, is the loss of life also took place on the river, capital of Rajshai, which occupies nearly where several boats were seen to go down the centre of the province of Bengal, and with every soul on board. Rampore Bauwas formerly the most extensive zamin- leah seems to be especially unfortunate at dary, and comprehended, according to present. Another very sad accident Major Rennel's mensuration, 12,999 square occurred the other day, when 200 huts miles, yielding a revenue of several composed of bamboo and straw, took fire, lacs of rupees. The district has, however, and were burnt down to the ground. The after the decennial settlement, undergone distress of the poor people is beyond various modifications; and many large and description. May the chastisement which populous villages have been transferred to God has inflicted upon them lead them to other districts. The population of Rajshai forsake their works of darkness! During amounts, I believe, to more than two the rains some parts of Rajshai are laid millions, in the proportion of two Hindus under water by the overflowing of the to one Mahommedan. Besides the Ben-Ganges, by which it is intersected, in congalis, the genuine natives of the soil, there sequence of which the Government have are respectable Hindustanis from the north-erected embankments. One of the most west provinces, who carry on considerable severe inundations ever experienced here traffic; and assist in diversifying the native was in last year, when the embankments society. The language chiefly spoken here were overtopped and carried away. The is Bengali. The European inhabitants of destruction of houses situate on the immethe district consist not only of the Govern-diate banks was complete. Should the ment officers, but private gentlemen, chiefly river overflow its banks this year, and connected with the indigo and silk fac- further damage the town, the Government tories. No church has been as yet erected, contemplate removing it to some distance but the prayers of the Church of England in the interior. There are no wild animals are read every Sabbath by laymen, to as peculiar to this district. The jungles many as choose to attend, in a room abound with tigers, leopards, wild hogs, adjoining the Commissioner's Court, and the and buffalocs, besides monkeys, apes, &c. Gospel ordinances are administered when The tanks, rivers, and sheels (artificial the chaplain from Moorshedabad pays a lakes) are covered with a variety of wild flying visit, which, I understand, is four fowls, and abound with numerous excellent times a-year; and which, of course, is to fish, some of which are in favour with Eurothe detriment of his own immediate con- peans. Of the reptiles nothing need be said, gregation. I wish we had one or more as they correspond with those of other parts spiritual ministers-accomplished Calvin- of Bengal, except that the boa constrictor istic divines and really effective preachers. is perhaps larger here than in less elevated Then might we succeed, by Divine blessing, parts. Fruits and vegetables indigenous to in gathering a large and respectable con- the soil are numerous, such as mangoes, ap-. gregation. May the Spirit of God induce ples,guavas, &c. Of European vegetables and fruits, there are peas, beans, cabbage, all our congregations on behalf of the cauliflowers, potatoes, peaches, which Waldensian Church." would bear comparison with English pro- Since the year 1848, when political ductions. Of the great variety of useful liberty was first granted, under the new trees that grow here, the following are the constitution, to the Waldenses of Piedprincipal ones: the tamarind, the mangoe, mont, they have entered with much zeal the bamboo, the jack, the mulberry, and upon the work of evangelization beyond the the banyan trees, besides many others limits of their own valleys, and have which are not necessary to specify. The established mission stations and founded Father of mercies has been truly lavish of his gifts, but man has not here been taught to prize them. There is at present at Rampore Bauleah an English school supported by Government. The teachers are all Hindus, but the management of the school length and breadth of the land. is vested in the local committee, composed of Government officers and others who take an interest in it. No Christianity is allowed to be taught within the walls of the seminary. Of the indigenous schools of the country little can be said, but that they are but few and most humble in their character. In them the young villagers are initiated in the doctrines and precepts of Hinduism, which, I need scarcely add, are most immoral, with reading, writing, and ciphering. From all this you will not fail to perceive the necessity of establishing and multiplying Christian schools, and thus sowing the seeds of truth in myriads of minds. May the Lord put it into the hearts of his own people in England to devise great things on behalf of poor and degraded Rajshai! If you can spare one or more copies of "The English Presbyterian Messenger" for this station from the beginning of the year, I shall feel obliged. BEHARI LAL SINGH. The Rev. Dr. Hamilton. WALDENSIAN MISSIONS IN ITALY. churches at Turin, Genoa, Milan, Florence, Leghorn, and other places. They also circulate the Word of God through the employ a number of Colporteurs, who On the Britain, they are doing an important work uniform testimony of Christian men from for God in Italy, and doing it well. We are far from arrogating to them the exclusive title to labour in this great field, and can rejoice in every effort that is put forth by others for the spread of a pure faith in Italy. But we think the Waldenses, or Vaudois, have a special claim to the sympathy of the Presbyterian Church in England. A pre-reformation Church, preserved by God through persecutions almost. without parallel in history, holding fast a sound theology, with a Church organiza-.. tion essentially Presbyterian, and a theological college for training its ministry and missionaries-we feel confidence in saying that nowhere could we find a safer or better body of men to carry the Gospel for us into Italy. In announcing the following list of subscriptions, &c., already received, the treasurer begs that the collections as recommended by the Synod to be made throughout the Church, and any donations which friends may wish to devote to this object, may be sent to him without delay, in order that he may make a remittance to the Evangelization Committee of the Vaudois Church at Florence. HUGH M. MATHESON, Treasurer. 3, Lombard-street, London, 20th June, 1862. SUBSCRIPTIONS, &c. £1 0 000 1 0 0 2 2 We had the pleasure of receiving at our recent Synod in London, the Rev. Dr. Revel, of Florence, as a deputy from the Waldensian Church. He claimed our sympathy and aid in the Evangelistic efforts which his church is making in different parts of Italy, on which it was resolved as follows:-" The Synod have A Synod Elder heard with the greatest interest the address Colonel Shortrede of Dr. Revel, rejoice in the success which J. E. Mathieson, Esq. the Great Head of the Church is vouch- Collected at Drawing-room safing to the efforts of the venerable and Meeting, Hampstead time-honoured Church of the Italian Hugh B. Price, Esq... valleys, hail the assurance that liberty of Donald Matheson, Esq. worship and liberty to spread the Gospel is Robert B. Woodd, Esq. at length exhibited in Italy, and will gladly James Anderson, Esq. aid in any manner in their power, the Charles H. L. Woodd, Esq....... 10 10 0 glorious work in which the Church of the Collection at Marylebone PresWaldenses are engaged. The Synod further byterian Church recommend that a collection be made in Hugh M. Matheson, Esq....... 50 0 0 22 6 0 0 10 5 0 0 220 2 0 0 35 12 5 Correspondence. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. London, 7th June, 1862. MY DEAR SIR,-In the June number of the MESSENGER you speak somewhat despondingly of the present position of the union movement, on the ground that it has "met with little sympathy from the other side," and "that the overtures so frankly made by our Synod have certainly been discouraged by the cold reception they have met with among the English Presbyterians of the United Presbyterian Church." Mr. Paterson, of Manchester, is reported in the Weekly Review to have made similar statements in the Free Church Assembly, and to have said that "the next overtures must come from the United Presbyterians;" and that that Church had been "wooed," but determined to remain as it was. We all know how anxious you are for union, and it is cheering to see how deeply Mr. Paterson laments continued separation. How stand the facts as regards overtures" and "wooing? The first movement in recent years was made by the United Presbyterians, when they sent a deputation from their English Conference in Liverpool to our Synod in Manchester in 1858. The next movement or overture was made when our Synod sent a deputation to the United Synod in Edinburgh in 1861, which overture was responded to by the distinguished deputation which visited us in London one month ago. These are really all the public overtures which have been made, and the first and the last of these were made by the United Presbyterians. As to the more private measures initiated by our Union Committee, the pleasant conferences in Regent Square, and the United Communion, in these surely we have been fairly met, and there has been less of reluctance and shyness than was ever manifested in the early stages of negotiating on ecclesiastical union? There has been everything to encourage and nothing to dishearten intelligent friends of union. I know of no "overtures made by our Synod" which have "met with a cold reception," no "wooing" which must be numbered amongst the "rejected addresses." The kind of "wooing" with which some of our friends were wont to approach the United Presbyterian Church was certainly not of a kind which might be expected to win. It consisted of dark hints at unsoundness in doctrine, at traitorous dealings with the principles of Presbyterian polity, and caricatures of the voluntary principles, all announced in a way fully calculated to repel, not to win. No progress made? What is the temper of our Synod on this subject now? Is it not almost to a man ready for immediate union-not half-hearted, but real? And when we find from Mr. Paterson of Manchester that the reluctance to union is entirely on the side of the United Presbyterians, surely we have made giant strides in a very short interval of time? To have even one party willing, where a while ago both were repellent, may well make us give thanks and take courage, forgetting the harsh things which once were honestly said, and rejoicing in the change of feeling which has at least come over "our side." United Presbyte rians were accustomed to say, "Why unite ourselves with men who look on us, to say the least, with suspicion." That this stumbling-block has been removed out of the way is clear from the tone of your remarks, and those ascribed to our deputation at the Free Church Assembly. These are not times in which to relax effort towards the attainment of an object good in itself, and specially needed in the present convulsed state of ecclesiastical feeling in England. This is a work which appears to me to lie peculiarly within the province of laymen. Ministers will split hairs while the world lasts, but let the people on both sides make up their minds, and the work is done. Yours very truly, B. B. G. 015 0 1 9 6 220 22 8 6 3 11 6 John Knox, Stepney-Juvenile Mis- 26 00 1 0 Trinity, De Beauvoir Town-Collection 14 River Terrace, Islington Collection 16 7 19 4 388 18 15 4 11 6 0 0 80 19 16 4 ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN DE PUTATION BEFORE THE GE- DR. CANDLISH rose to introduce a deputation from the English Presbyterian Church. He said that he was 050 one of those who had the pleasure of o attending the last meeting of the EngNothing 1lish Presbyterian Synod. could be more gratifying than the reception which they met with at the hands of their brethren of the English Presbyterian Synod. Nothing could be more gratifying than the spirit of life and energy which they found pervading that Synod,-giving token of the healthy state of things in the Church. Nothing could be more gra1 18 0 tifying than the manifestations of their unabated attachment to the Free Church of Scotland, and their unabated interest in all its proceedings, and their readiness to co-operate with them in every 100 good work. (Applause.) They were, as Churches, very closely allied in the field of foreign missions, and in China in particular, where they furnished the means, 14 0 13 0 JAMES E. MATHIESON, 77, Lombard Street, London, E.C. and they had furnished a good many of terian Church in England as brethren the men. There was one topic noticed, in the Lord, and as labourers along and a hint thrown out, viz., that the Free with us in the Lord's vineyard. We Church should give them some of their are sent to tell the Free Church of best men and ablest preachers to assist Scotland, in this formal and public them in breaking ground and in foster- manner, of the lively interest and of the ing congregations in important localities deep affection with which it is regarded in England. This was a service which by the Presbyterian Church in Enghe thought they would count it a privi- land. We come to cultivate in this lege to render to the Church in Eng- House that ecclesiastical intercourse land, and it was the only practical which is maintained in other and more point to which he felt it necessary to practical forms in the ordinary proceedcall the attention of the Assembly. It ings of the two Churches all the year was thought that in some of the more through. (Applause.) It is our happiness important places and large towns they to do this in regard to other Churches. of the Free Church might be of some For although our Church in England be, use by sending some of their more dis- like some of the Continental Churches tinguished ministers to assist them for of which you heard last night, compaa few months in the beginning and ratively small, yet it does not stand working of charges. He took the alone. We feel that we are one in the liberty of saying that the Church would great family of Presbyterian Churches, count it an honour to give such service and we hail every opportunity afforded and to help in any way in such a work. us of holding out the right hand of felDr. Candlish concluded by introducing lowship to them, and of drawing benefit Mr. Ballantyne (the Moderator), Mr. from their acts of kindness and goodChalmers, Mr. Paterson, and Mr. will. But there is no Church with Stevenson (elder), as a deputation from the English Presbyterian Synod. which we are more happy to be associated; no Church in whose prosperity REV. WILLIAM BALLANTYNE, Trinity we more humbly rejoice; no Church Church, London, and Moderator of the with which we would be more ready to English Synod, first addressed the sympathize in a time of danger, or to Assembly. He said, --I have to apolo- help in a time of need, than the Free gize for the absence of Dr. Munro of Church of Scotland For there is such Manchester, who has been prevented a community of sentiment, and princifrom acting on this deputation by spe- ple, and feeling, between you and us, cial duties in his own congregation. yea, such community of order, methods, This is matter of much regret to him- and aims, that although we be separate self, as well as to us who have come and independent Churches, we cannot here from England; for I am persuaded but be in some sensible degree mutually that his long connection with our affected by whatever touches each Church, and the manifold services he other's welfare and prosperity. And has rendered it, would have given therefore, while you hold on your own weight to any statement he might have way and do your own work in Scotland, seen fit to make in this Assembly. I and while we hold on our own way and have also to explain that two of our do our own work in England, we are most respected elders, Mr. Robertson satisfied that we should never lose sight and Mr. James Ewing Mathieson, both of the reasons why we should seek to of London, are unavoidably absent on strengthen the bond of attachment bethis occasion. I have just further to tween us, and to render to one another say by way of preface, that as I had that love and support which are evithe honour of appearing here a year dently fitted, under God, to subserve, ago, and of addressing the General not only the interests of our common Assembly somewhat at length, I will Presbyterianism, but of our common on the present occasion occupy the at- Christianity in the land we live in, and tention of the House only for a few through all the countries in which the moments, while attempting to discharge English language is spoken. (Applause.) the duty which my own Synod has laid I have nothing very new or striking to upon me. We are here, Moderator, tell, Moderator, regarding our Church simply on an errand of Christian love in England. But this I can say, that its and brotherhood. We are here to consolidation is becoming every year salute you in the name of the Presby- more firm-that its polity is being |