CHAPTER XV.

CAWNPORE--CALCUTTA--RETURN OF MR. THOMASON--DEATH OF BISHOP HEBER.

It was because Archdeacon Corrie did not find himself equal to the fatigue of travelling, that when the party reached Lucknow, it was decided, that instead of proceeding with the Bishop, he should endeavour to recruit his strength by remaining stationary for a time at Cawnpore. From that place, therefore, he writes

TO THE REV. MR. THOMASON.

“Cawnpore, Dec. 26, 1824.

“I have been expecting, for some time, to receive a few copies of the last Report of our Calcutta Church Missionary Society. I am very desirous of endeavouring to help the funds; but cannot well make applications without giving some information as to our plans. I begin to fear that even if about eight copies were dispatched immediately, they would not reach me in time, as I am only waiting the Bishop’s decision as to my movements. I have now done the duty here, for five Sundays, and expect to be here about three Sundays more. I could much have wished Mr. Torriano[119] to have arrived before I leave, but he will find his way comparatively smooth. You know I brought Fuez Messeeh with me from Benares, where he was doing little, and had fallen ill. He is still prevented by the cough, which has for some time affected him, from doing all I believe he is willing to do for the gospel. I have every reason to believe him to be a partaker of Divine grace; though his talent in communicating what he knows to others, is not great. He, on our arrival, brought a few of the families of the Christian drummers and fifers to our house, for Sunday worship; and about six of their girls are learning to read Hindoostanee and to sew, with Mrs. Corrie. About three weeks ago, Mr. Fisher, Peter Dilsooke and his wife Ruth, with their two sons came here. They had a chit [letter] from Mr. Fisher, and I have since written to him, and ascertained that he thinks well of them as Christians. I have retained him on ten rupees a month, to teach such Christians [adults] as wish to learn to read the Scriptures in their native tongue, and Nagree character, and he has a school in the lines, of eight adults; and his wife teaches the Christian girls in our house, their two boys go to the Free School. There are three native corps here generally. The Christians connected with them are not fewer than sixty or seventy; and there are many of a similar class connected with the many public offices of the field command, besides a considerable number of poor people of the same description, who resort to Cawnpore, as the Calcutta of the Upper Provinces. The native population too, is wonderfully increased since I was resident here. On the whole, this place calls loudly for Missionary help; and I greatly hope something may be done, at least for those who profess Christianity, and understand only the native language. Already our congregation on Sunday last had increased to about twenty; and I am writing to Chunar for copies of the native catechism, and Nagree hymns, which are much desired by some of the Christians. I happily got a supply of the Scriptures in various languages. Should the Bishop decide on my residing in the Upper Provinces, these stores will prove invaluable; and become the means of blessing, I hope, to many. The duties of a Chaplain, I know from experience, leave him, at such stations as this, little leisure for extra-parochial engagements. As I shall have more leisure for such pursuits, with liberty to remove from place to place, I shall consider it a peculiar happiness to be the means of establishing christian worship, for the class of people who are to be found at every station professing Christianity, and knowing only the native language.

“I believe no copies of the ‘Outline of Ancient History,’[120] have been sent to Bombay; will you be so good as to send twelve or twenty copies to Mr. Farish, as a specimen, that more may be sent if required? The first class of native youths, in the Free School here, are reading it; and get, from the former chapters of the work, such information on the early religious history of the world, as they would not otherwise at present obtain. This Free School will, I hope, prove very useful to this part of the country. There are ten boys and ten girls already on the foundation, on the plan of the Calcutta Free School. Many poor Christian day-scholars, and seventeen natives, are learning English. There are also, belonging to the Institution, a Persian and Hindee school, containing together about one hundred children; who read only the School-book Society’s books. The young man who is schoolmaster, is a conscientious man, and attends diligently to the duties of the school. The divisions you have heard of nearly annihilated the school for a time; and an opposition school was opened for day-scholars. This will eventually do no harm. Competition will produce exertion, and education will be better forwarded. It is wonderful how much a little superintendence may help on these things, where there is no selfish end in view, and no seeking of preeminence; and I cannot but hope Mr. Torriano will prove a great blessing to this place. How would it have rejoiced the heart of Martyn, could he have had the chief authorities associated by order of Government, to assist him in the work of education; and how gladly would he have made himself their servant in the work, for Jesus’ sake! One poor blind man, who lived in an outhouse of Martyn’s, and received a small monthly sum from him, often comes to our house; and affords a mournful pleasure in reminding me of some little occurrence of those times. A wealthy native too, who lived next door to us, and who was intimate with Sabat and Abdool Messeeh, sent his nephew to me, a few days ago, to make ‘Salaam;’ and to express to me the pleasure he derived from his acquaintance with Martyn. These are all the traces I have found of that ‘excellent one of the earth,’ at the station.”

The Archdeacon remained still another month at Cawnpore, and then proceeded toward the valley of the Dhoon,[121] with the intention of spending the hot season there. He writes to his sister, in a letter dated

“March 6, 1825.

“We left Cawnpore on January 24; were one Sunday at Futtyghur, and two at Meerut, and are to-day at Muzuffernugur, three marches N. W. of Meerut, and in sight of the snowy mountains. At Futtyghur we met dear old Abdool, who is grown remarkably larger, but is reduced in strength. At Meerut we enjoyed the society of several excellent persons. Mr. Fisher has regular service in a fine church, on the plan of the cathedral in Calcutta, on Wednesdays and Fridays, besides the morning and evening service on Sundays.... I was much pleased with what I saw of Mr. F., and his labours are blessed.

“We are proceeding to the Dhoon, a valley on the first range of hills. We expect to reach the Ghaut[122] in five days, and to be at Dehrah, the head station on the Dhoon, by next Sunday. We have in company with us, a son of Mr. Layard of Uffington,[123] who has suffered from the climate, although he has been only a year in the country; but will, I hope, recover among the hills, as he has no symptoms of serious illness about him. I am, through great mercy, quite well. I do not expect, indeed, that my nerves, never strong, will be ever what they were; still I am well, have recovered my former appearance and size, and have nothing to complain of.

“I have daily more cause for thankfulness in my present appointment. Being confined to no station, I can go generally where I am likely to be most useful; and retreat, as we are now doing, from the violence of the hot winds. The country acquired by the Nepaul war is likely to be of great service as a retreat for invalids from the burning plains. There is a mountain near Dehrah in the Dhoon, which can be climbed with some difficulty, and has a fine level top where we can pitch our tent, and have the thermometer at 60° during the month of May. There we expect to pass the months of April and May, and to descend when the rains threaten; and so return to the plains. Farther on, the climate is equally favourable; with a greater range to roam over; but we are content to take the nearest shelter, as I have no desire after field sports, and we are happy enough at home. We have one of the Agra youths, named Amannee, with us, so that we make a congregation of six, and enjoy the repose of the sabbath much. We have a couple of small camel-trunks filled with books, and so carry with us food for the mind as well as the body.... Thus you know all our affairs. Surrounded by temporal mercies, I trust we are still saying, ‘Whom have we in heaven but Thee, and there is none on earth, &c. &c.’”

To his brother, the Archdeacon writes:--

“Dehrah Dhoon, March 30, 1825.

“I am so much recruited in strength as to indulge the hope of some further years of further endeavour for the good of India. You hear of our public affairs from public sources, but there are certain discouragements in the situation of affairs, both as it respects church and state, which you will not hear, and which it is scarcely worth while to fill one’s paper with. He ‘whose kingdom ruleth over all,’ is engaged to make ‘all things work together for good to them that love Him,’ and with His love in our hearts what need disquiet us?... Our difficulties in church-matters arise chiefly from want of cordial union, and from the fluctuating nature of our Society, which renders it necessary to begin our affairs anew every few years; and causes the labour of communicating intelligence to be continually recurring. But the church generally is, I doubt not, advancing among us; and we must not grow weary; however, of necessity, we grow less able to do what we would. In our Bishop we have all we can have in one man, to unite us and to help our work by its various instruments.

“You would be delighted if you could visit us in our present situation. We are living on the ridge of Kalunga hill, near where General Gillespie fell ten years ago.[124] The house we occupy is a kind of hunting bungalow, three miles from cantonments, belonging to the commanding officer here. Leopards in plenty live around us, and some of our workmen going a few days ago to drink water at a pool, in a recess in the wood, spied a large tiger on the opposite side. We, however, have nothing to fear from them; and now the novelty is over, the day passes in our usual studies and pursuits, very happily. The children and I ride on ponies, through the path-ways, early in the morning; with a few men with large sticks ahead, to frighten away any thing that might come among us. We have had snow on the neighbouring hill, within a week, and specks of it are still visible. We contemplate ascending the second range of hills, about 8,000 feet above those we now are on; and to pitch our tent there, during the approaching months of April and May, where the thermometer ranges, we are told, between 60° and 70°. Here we are happy to have it, from twelve o’clock to six, about 80°.... Even this is a relief unspeakable from the plains, and our nights are cool; the wind regularly setting-in, in the evening, from the snowy mountains. I have nothing to say about this people, (who differ a good deal from the people of the plains,) because I know but little about them.”

In another letter to his brother, dated 6th of April, Archdeacon Corrie observes:--

“I have told G. that our Bishop confirmed about 150 adult natives, at the different Church Missionary stations between this and Calcutta; which shows that we labour not in vain. The progress, though slow, is still a progress, in respect of the diffusion of Divine truth, in these parts. It will be an especial care to establish seminaries, at the principal stations, for the instruction of native christian youths, on as permanent a footing as we can. Our territories, in this part of the world, are beginning to be too extensive. We can scarcely hope to have men, at the head of affairs, always of capacity enough for such a load of government; but He who ruleth over all, will doubtless use us for some good purpose, to this benighted land. May those of us who feel the importance of this subject be up and doing! There is a general falling off amongst the Hindoos, from their former system. They have no reverence for the usual forms of an oath. They set little by the Brahmins generally; and, except on festivals, and at particularly celebrated places, their idolatrous rites are fallen into considerable disuse. The Hindoos, too, much more generally than formerly, keep the Mahomedan festivals. These facts are noticed by all the men in office, throughout the country. From this, however, no good has, as yet, arisen, to the righteous cause. Though less observant of their own rites, they know nothing of the gospel that they should value it. Their festivals resemble an English fair, much more than what we consider by the word ‘worship;’ and it is not to be wondered at, that the natural man loves these occasions; or that a people so circumstanced, should at first turn away from the humbling, self-denying truths of the gospel, when set before them.

“These regions, [the Dhoon] are becoming much resorted to at this season by the British, on account of the coolness of the climate. I have a christian youth with me, whom I daily instruct, and we met here a Brahmin, who has been baptized by one of the Baptist Missionaries. He would not stay with his teacher, having been long used to a roving life. He seems quite convinced of the supreme importance of Christianity. He reads the scriptures with me; and I hope may grow in knowledge, and in grace.”

To Mr. Sherer, who had just arrived in Calcutta from England, in company with the Rev. Francis Goode, one of the Company’s Chaplains, the Archdeacon writes:--

“May 25, 1825.

“The arrival of Mr. Goode, after some recent comers, is a source of much thanksgiving. I can now say, as far as the church in India is concerned, ‘Lord! now lettest thou thy servant depart, either to some retreat for a time on earth, or to the rest which remaineth!’ I speak only in respect of the prospects of the church at this Presidency, which, from the several valuable ministers she now possesses, may well do without so bruised a reed as I am.

“Mr. Newton,[125] you will know, is now the financial secretary of our Church Missionary Society. He, above all our Committee, has been with me like-minded, entering with all his spirit into our concerns, and looking our difficulties in the face. Having, as I hope, got Mirzapore into some form, we must go on cautiously; by which I mean, have our resources in view before we extend our plans. I am now anxious to get the Female Central School built, and to extend no more, but rather contract the present scale of small schools.”

It will have been seen that it was in Bishop Heber’s contemplation, that the Archdeacon should permanently reside in the Upper Provinces, that by this means more effectual assistance might be rendered to the Bishop in administering the affairs of his vast diocese. It was however, ultimately arranged that whilst Bishop Heber was visiting Madras and Bombay, the Archdeacon should proceed to Calcutta. With this object in view, Archdeacon Corrie left the Dhoon, in the beginning of June, for Meerut. From that place he wrote

TO MR. SHERER.

“June 25, 1825.

“We have been here (as you will have heard through Mrs. Ellerton) a week. I feel some comfort in the idea of being a hundred miles nearer to you, but here, I apprehend, we must stay a month at least. The season has been unusually warm here. For several years past, the seasons have proved irregular, but this year the regular hot winds have been blowing, and the natives anticipate a plentiful production of the fruits of the earth. We are tied in the meantime; and on every account I must not expose myself [to the heat] more than I can help. We are at present in a bungalow which Parson and his family inhabited most of the time they were at Meerut. It is in Mr. Fisher’s compound; and here, I believe, we must stay, for no other place is to be found. An additional regiment of Cavalry and one of Infantry, are to be here, so that every corner is filled. We have been living with the Fishers almost entirely, but have now got their leave to supply ourselves in this bungalow.

“Mr. F. is more attended to than any chaplain in the country, by the upper classes, as well as by the lower; and has a wide correspondence among conductors, writers, &c. at surrounding stations. He has also a native congregation. This is doubtless his proper work. A missionary, however, would not at all interfere with any thing doing here. It is evidently of God alone, that the few natives professing christianity have been drawn together and kept together. Many are reported as prepared for the reception of christianity at Delhi, and Mr. H. Fisher yesterday went to reside there, with Anund Musseeh. Anund has been unwell with the small-pox, and unable to attend Mr. Fisher, for scriptural instruction, as the Bishop desired; so that his ordination must be postponed until some more distant period. I am anxious to hear from the Church Missionary Committee respecting Abdool and Bowley, in answer to my letter of the 14th of April. If I hear nothing I shall bring them down, considering the Bishop’s wishes sufficient authority.”

To the same relative, the Archdeacon again wrote

“July 23, 1825.

“We purpose leaving this [Meerut] at the end of August, and shall get down to you speedily. I told you that the heat affected me, but by keeping quiet, I have avoided feeling more than languor. I have not yet called on any, except one or two in the next premises around us. I have always assisted Mr. Fisher; and kept his flock together during twelve days he was absent at Lehornupore and Deyrah, where his son John is. He and his son Samuel had a narrow escape from drowning, on their return. One of the mountain-torrents came down suddenly. A _Suwarr_,[126] who was with them, escaped with difficulty, together with his horse. Samuel’s horse was carried down a good way, but both his and Mr. Fisher’s horse, being in better heart than the Suwarr’s horse, got over. A pedestrian, who attempted to swim over, was drowned.

“We have now the rains, but scantily. The natives begin to say the rains will not be heavy this year.”

In accordance with the purpose expressed in the foregoing letter, Archdeacon Corrie left Meerut on the 22nd of August. In a letter addressed to Mr. Sherer, on the 25th of that month, the Archdeacon remarks:--

“We left much good at Meerut, and passed our time pleasantly; and, I hope, not unprofitably.... We are in sight of Futtyghur, from whence I shall dispatch this. Goodness and mercy continue to attend us. The weather is unusually favourable for us, but the country requires rain.

“At Meerut we had a Bible Society Sermon on the 14th, and a public meeting on the 16th. Considerable interest, above former years, was excited, and a fair collection made. Some converts to the cause, also, among the upper classes of Society.”

On his way to the Presidency, Archdeacon Corrie visited Cawnpore, Chunar, Benares, and other stations with which he had been before time connected or acquainted. With regard to Cawnpore, he observed in a letter to Mr. Sherer, dated

“Allahabad, Sep. 12, 1825.”

“I wrote to Mr. Thomason, from Cawnpore, about a native chapel. I am happy to tell you that little, if anything, will be needed from the [Church Missionary] Society to accomplish this object. I put a paper into circulation before I left, and there was enough for present purposes being raised at the station.

“On the Sunday, which I passed at Chunar, about two hundred attended Divine service, of whom about forty were unbaptized inhabitants of the place, and most of whom attend every sabbath-day. Some of the scholars who have received instruction in English, afford the most pleasing hopes of their sincere conversion.”

And in a letter to the same relative, he writes from

“Benares, Sep. 26, 1825.

“We are detained here longer than I wished, but I hope to do something for the mission by the delay. Our friends are each doing what he can in his sphere. They have suggested that I should write a letter to the Committee, which might be printed in the Monthly Intelligence, giving some account of the schools and congregations. I will send such a letter, and it may be printed or not.”

With reference also to this subject, the Archdeacon informs his brother in a letter dated

“Oct. 11, 1825, above Monghyr.

“Mr. H. Fisher, at Delhi--his father at Meerut: Mr. Torriano, at Cawnpore--have each a native missionary who labours around them, and instructs especially those natives who profess christianity. This last class is fast improving, I would fain hope, in knowledge and character; and thus they become ‘Epistles of Christ, read and known’ among the heathens: and the reproach which formerly attended the gospel is lessening.”

Thus wherever the Archdeacon might be, the subject nearest his heart was, the progress of the gospel among the heathen.

It was on the 25th of October 1825, that Archdeacon Corrie arrived in Calcutta, on his return from the Upper Provinces. Among the first things to which the Archdeacon directed his attention, were the affairs of the Church Missionary Society, which he found to be as prosperous as could well be expected. At the end of the following month he was gladdened by the ordination of his long-tried friend Abdool Messeeh, who, together with Messrs Reichardt and Bowley, was admitted into the order of Deacons, by Bishop Heber. The ordination took place on the 30th of November, in the Cathedral of Calcutta, and in the presence of a large congregation, among whom were more than twenty clergymen. It was remarked by one who was present on that interesting occasion, that

“Nothing could equal the joy of Mr. Corrie: he appeared as if he could just then adopt the language of Simeon of old. He has watched the gradual progress of every thing: he could remember when matters assumed a far different semblance.”

On the 23rd of December the Archdeacon attended the Bishop at a public examination of the children educated in the schools maintained in the Calcutta Ladies’ Society for Native Female Education; when, during the examination, the Rajah Boidenauth came forward and presented the Society with a donation of 20,000 sicca rupees, toward the erection of a central school. One of the great objects which the Archdeacon had long had in view, was thus in the progress of being realized; and as a preliminary measure, he obtained permission to place under the Ladies’ Society, those Female-schools at Burdwan which had hitherto been supported by the Church Missionary Society.

These several causes for rejoicing were not, however, without a corresponding draw-back. The hot season of 1825 had been unusually unhealthy, and among others who had suffered in health were Mr. and Mrs. Thomason, especially the latter. This decided Mr. Thomason to return to Europe early in the spring of 1826. Mr. Sherer, too, having accomplished the object for which he went out to India, was preparing to return to his family in England. The Bishop, moreover, left Calcutta on the 30th of January 1826, for the purpose of holding visitations in Madras. Under these circumstances Archdeacon Corrie writes to Mr. Sherer, then on the point of embarking for England:--

“Feb. 22, 1826.

“A feeling of desolation oppresses me, which I try to shake off, by looking to Him who possesses all fulness, in order to supply his needy dependents. In P. I lost my worldly adviser, and in Mr. Thomason my religious helper: but the Lord liveth. In you, I will not say how much we seem to have lost; but this much I cannot but say. There is no possibility of my following you in less than five years, and what may occur before then, who can tell? It would be presumptuous to say any of us shall see that period; and yet there is no doubt a secret hope that we shall. How I shall part with the mother and the children, I know not. It seems as if they ought sooner to go into a more favourable climate, and if it were necessary, I suppose the necessity would go far to reconcile me to it. My heart goes with you to Morcott and Colsterworth; may you be carried to them in health and safety, and may the peace of God attend your meeting with them! It seems superfluous to say anything about my love for them. They need no assurance of it; yet it is a relief to write about it.”

Some further account of his condition is given by the Archdeacon

TO MR. SHERER.

“March 14, 1826,

“We continue much as you left us. The wet has set in, and the monsoon has been almost constantly against you. The Bishop was twenty days reaching Madras. This will delay your progress; but great is our happiness in knowing that winds and waves obey His will, “whose we are, and whom we serve.”

“Our Friday evening [services] have been but irregularly attended. The Government dinners have, no doubt, interfered; and next Friday Lady A. has an ‘at home.’ Shall we ever have ‘the powers that be’ on our side? Yea, doubtless, it shall be even so.

“You will know all about Lord A’s recal before this reaches you. May it please God to send us a Governor who will at least own his duty in respect of the God of Christians! The most painful thing in the present administration is, that our duty as Christians is not recognised. Policy is avowedly the idol worshipped.

“I am thankful and happy in my present situation. I know not what time, if permitted to me, may bring forth, but I cannot at present conceive of happiness in leaving my station. A few short years will unite us all, I trust, where probably natural feeling will be absorbed in relationship to Christ, but not, I apprehend, be forgotten. In the mean time, while passing through this ‘valley of Baca,’ let our correspondence serve as ‘pools of refreshment.’”

TO HIS BROTHER.

“Calcutta, April 11, 1826.

“Before this reaches you, we hope you will have received back our dear Sherer, well in all respects. In this changing world, we know not what a day may bring forth, but we are taught that “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof;” and, therefore, I will anticipate none of those things, evil to nature, to which both he on the water and his family on land are liable, but trust that your meeting has been joyous and thankful. We go on much as Sherer left us. The fall of Bhurtpore and peace with Ava,[127] leave the country externally quiet, but in so extended an empire, composed of such discordant elements, we are less, in reality, settled. Two native regiments at Bhurtpore refused to go into the trenches; the business was hushed up, but a discovery was made of the state of the native mind. The fact is, that ‘the powers which be,’ while they fear the smallest movement in favour of Christianity, fear nothing when saving money is concerned. Whereas the native, if he be liberally dealt with, will give you his caste even, if you do not demand it all at once. “The Lord reigneth,” must be our motto; and though we cannot but see what is doing, must refer ourselves, to His power, providence and grace, to order all things as shall be for His own glory.

“Yesterday I completed forty-nine years. Great goodness have I experienced, great ingratitude am I conscious of; but great is the mercy of God my Saviour; infinite the value of Jesus’ blood. Therefore I will hope on, and expect to be preserved by “the power of God through faith unto salvation.” “He restoreth my soul for his name’s sake.”

Within a few days of the date of the foregoing letter, Archdeacon Corrie received the afflicting intelligence that it had pleased God suddenly to remove Bishop Heber from this scene of trial, to the church triumphant in heaven. Appended to a copy of the letter from the Rev. Mr. Doran which announced this event, and the circumstances by which it was accompanied, the Archdeacon wrote

TO MR. SHERER.

“Calcutta, April 15, 1826.

“By the copy on the other side you will see with what a heavy stroke God has smitten us; doubtless in mercy, though we see it not now. Nothing can be added at present to Mr. Doran’s account. All here is mute astonishment. Public and individual concern is spread over all. I will send all the public documents, and will take the first further opportunity to send more particulars.”

These particulars are too well known to need repetition in this place, but the following extract from a letter addressed about that time by the Archdeacon to his brother, may not be without interest:--

“You will hear from other sources of the loss all India has sustained, in the death of Bishop Heber. My first impression was to inform Sherer, who, from being so lately among us, could judge more readily of our feelings on the occasion. I have printed, and privately distributed, a sermon preached at the time; and have sent some copies to Mr. Pratt. Mr. Robinson [subsequently archdeacon of Madras,] took some copies to send home, with a sermon of his own, preached at Trichinopoly, the Sunday after the Bishop’s death. We cannot but be anxious as to who will succeed to this see. Our late beloved Bishop was so entirely a Missionary, that we can scarcely hope to see one like him; and in respect of temper and beauty of general disposition, to expect the like of him seems utterly hopeless. In what I have said of him in the sermon, I have said what I know his views were on certain points, rather than expressed my own. Such was the natural amiability of Bishop Heber’s character, that it was often difficult to say whether he acted from nature or grace. But whatever might be judged by some, at times, to be errors of judgment, the general tenor of his life was so opposed to worldly maxims, and what the world would have wished him to follow, that there seems no doubt grace was the ruling influence of his conduct. The great number of subscribers he obtained for the society for the Propagation of the Gospel, shews what an influence he had obtained; and how many he had drawn over to support the Missionary cause.”

The sermon here alluded to, was preached in the Cathedral Church of Calcutta, on Sunday, April 23, from Heb. xiii. 7, 8. In a short notice prefixed to the sermon, the reason for printing it is stated to be “not any idea of its pretensions to literary merit, but a sincere desire on the part of the author, to improve the melancholy occasion of it, to the good of a community with which he had been connected nearly twenty years.” The Archdeacon added, that as “all who approached their late beloved and venerated diocesan, could not but admire his brilliant conversation, various acquirements, and commanding talents, it was hoped that, the perusal of the sermon might tend to recommend, to some at least, the cultivation of those principles of Christian piety which spread a charm over all his other great qualities.”

The limits within which it is desirable to comprise these memoirs, do not allow of the insertion here of the vivid sketch of Bishop Heber’s ministerial life in India, which this sermon contains, but as, in the letter quoted above, specific reference is made to the Bishop’s “views on certain points,” it may be proper to quote the outline of the doctrines which the Archdeacon states himself to have “heard the deceased prelate preach,” on different occasions.

“It was the _word of God_ which he administered. For man, fallen from God and far from original righteousness, he preached a full and free redemption by the blood of Christ--justification by faith--the need of the Holy Spirit’s grace to incline and enable man to repent, and to bring forth fruit meet for repentance, persuading man, by the terrors of the Lord, to flee from the wrath to come, and by the mercies of Christ, to be reconciled unto God--the pleasantness of religious ways--the comfort attending the death of the righteous--the terrors of a judgment-day to the impenitent, and the rewards of the faithful servant--setting forth every Christian duty in its relation to Christian principle, in his own peculiarly lively and impressive manner.”

It is scarcely necessary to add, that Archdeacon Corrie was among those who met in the Town-hall of Calcutta, on the 6th of May, for the purpose of expressing their deep concern at the loss which India had sustained in the death of Bishop Heber, and for devising means by which the memory of the labours of that man of God might be transmitted to future generations.[128]

On the 18th of May, the Archdeacon, after having long desired to see such an object accomplished, was called upon to take part in the ceremonial of laying the foundation-stone of a Central School for the education of native females. Four years, it will be remembered, had now elapsed since female education in India had been first commenced on a general plan; but the difficulties in the way of such an undertaking were apparently so serious, that but few could have ventured even to hope that such an inroad on Hindoo prejudice and superstition could have been made, as that above five hundred females should already have been brought under instruction in Calcutta and the vicinity alone. The ground purchased for the site of the school and other requisite buildings, was in the centre of the Hindoo population, and about half a mile to the north of the Church Missionary station at Mirzapore. The foundation stone was laid by the Lady Amherst, prayer having been offered up by the Archdeacon for the divine blessing on the undertaking. Many natives (particularly women and their daughters) were present, on this interesting occasion; and the Rajah Boidinath Roy, through an interpreter, congratulated the Lady Amherst on the success which had crowned the exertions of her Ladyship and the Ladies of Calcutta; expressing also, his deep sense of the gratitude which himself and others entertained for the benefits which might be expected from the education of his country-women.

The demise of the Bishop devolved on the Archdeacon the administration of the affairs of the diocese during the vacancy of the See. In writing to his brother he therefore observed:--

“Calcutta, June 29, 1826.

“We are now residing in the Episcopal house, which Government allows me to use, as Commissary for the See, and gives me the Bishop’s salary instead of my own. It is a new thing to me, to be consulting Burn’s Ecclesiastical law, Gibson, &c. There is, indeed, no power vested in the Bishop of Calcutta, for Government reserve the decision of every point to themselves; and the letters patent give no independent authority. Yet such a man as Bishop Heber will be applied to from all parts of India, on points affecting divorce, wills, &c., and his opinion will be received as law: so that such studies as I have mentioned, are not in vain. The love for antiquity, indeed, which some entertain, overlooks, I think, too much the present race of men; and sooner than deviate from ancient modes, would suffer them to pass out of life in their ignorance; but I have as yet discovered no ground for such rigid adherence to rules adapted to the Church in a settled state, and am sure the early Evangelists did not observe them.

“All things here begin to assume their usual appearance again, except that our beloved Bishop no more occupies his seat among us; and that a second Escutcheon, hung up in the Cathedral, reminds us, that two Bishops have passed away from among us. My mind seems wearied with considering what may be destined for our Indian Church. The work of Missions had assumed a regular form. In the south of India, regular help, and enough of it, would give Christianity an almost established form; so many Natives profess Christianity. May God be gracious unto the land, and send us a man of a right spirit!”

By the advice of the medical men in Calcutta, the Archdeacon decided on a journey up the river, as for as Benares and Chunar. He, therefore, left Calcutta in the month of July 1826, visiting several of the out-stations as he passed along. On reaching Benares, one of the chief objects of his attention naturally was Joy Narain’s school, in the founding of which the Archdeacon had taken so much interest. He had now the satisfaction to find the School in excellent order; there being in it one hundred and thirty-one boys under daily instruction. Besides this, he found that two youths who had been educated in the school, had been engaged ever since January last, as assistant English-teachers in the free-school at Cawnpore, and were giving satisfaction; and that the success of those youths in thus obtaining a comfortable provision for themselves, had recommended the school to the good opinion of the natives of Benares and the neighbourhood. The Archdeacon found, also, that six other schools had been established, in different parts of the city, in which, among other books, the gospels were read. With reference to these schools he observes:

“The streets of Benares, being for the most part very narrow, the boys assemble in long Verandahs, and the passers-by see and hear all that takes place. This, though unfavourable for the purposes of a School, yet causes what the boys read to be heard by many; and sometimes a hundred people, and upwards, will crowd around, while the boys are examined, in the previous week’s Exercises: and thus their knowledge is diffused.”

On reaching Chunar, the Archdeacon records in a memorandum dated--

“Chunar, Sep. 17, 1826.

“It is twenty years since I reached Bengal, having arrived in Calcutta on Saturday, Sept. 20, 1806. I had appointed the 20th. Sept. as a day for calling my ways to remembrance; but have aforetime too much neglected this duty: and I fear interruption on Wednesday, the Anniversary of my actual entrance on life in this land. Many sinful causes have of late years, prevented me from making Memoranda of the state of my mind, as formerly, but I have thus deprived myself of the power of calling many things to mind, of which I ought deeply to repent; and am constrained to pray, “Cleanse me from my secret faults,” secret and hidden by forgetfulness from myself. Early in 1819, I arrived at the highest emoluments in the way of Chaplains. In 1822, I received increased emoluments as a Commissary for the See; and now enjoy alone, all the advantages arising from the second vacancy of the See. I feel decidedly, and painfully, that large means have not been of advantage to myself, or family. My own soul has gradually lost much of the liveliness I once possessed in religion. The readiness to labour, the willingness to attend to the poor, the pleasure of going here and there to serve others, either officially or of choice, is greatly departed from me. Increased years, and debility, may have a share in this indisposition to active duties, but are far from being the whole cause. I am deeply conscious, also, that the receiving of so many [persons] from time to time into our house (though in many cases a mere returning of civilities, or rather favours previously by us received, and a debt of gratitude, and in almost every case appearing to be an exercise of hospitality) yet the numbers at table, consequent desultory conversation, &c. weaken the power of religion in me, and I seem to myself to have no strength in comparison of former days. I have many thoughts how far this company and constantly full table have had a share in my loss of health. I would especially call to mind, my dulness in secret duties, and how seldom I can ‘take hold on God.’ I read and kneel in devotion, but too generally without apprehending or appropriating any benefit. Deeply humiliating as this is, I yet bless my Saviour that it is no worse; that He has not cast me utterly from his presence, nor taken His Holy Spirit from me. I am conscious of a desire to be ‘as in days past,’ and of some endeavour after it. But O! I have much ground to regain; many days to redeem, and fewer left to work out my salvation in. The cross of Christ is my only hope and glory. The Lord, I think, knows I desire to be crucified with Christ; and to have all iniquity taken away. Lord, work thou in me to do, no less than to will! Oh! incline and enable my dear partner to bear in mind more and more, the subjects of our late conversations; that our own souls and our lovely and beloved children, may be improved in every grace of the Spirit; and that our light may yet shine before men, to the glory of our heavenly Father. Preserve our dear children in health; and O! give them spiritual healing and blessing. Make us more and more one in Christ Jesus. Help me to walk circumspectly, and to behave in present circumstances as becometh the gospel of Christ. O keep me from any fall, either in public or private; and lead me in the paths of righteousness _for thy name’s sake_. Other plea have I none: other refuge have I none. To thee, to thee alone I cleave. A poor feeble vine, I would cleave to thee as the stem; and in thy strength alone be strong. Quicken me more and more. Lead me from strength to strength. ‘Hold thou me up, so shall I be safe?’ O! forsake not the work of thine own hands. I am thine, save me. Amen.”

As it was at Chunar that Archdeacon Corrie commenced his missionary labours, his account of the state of the native church there may not be omitted. He writes:--

“The congregation of the Hindoostanee worshippers, is rather on the increase. The day I was there, upwards of two hundred attended, of whom at least fifty were unbaptized natives. I conversed with some of the recent converts, who appear to be really sincere. Among them some are natives of villages in the neighbourhood, who, at first, were greatly opposed by their relatives; but retreating to Chunar, they continued to receive renewed strength and encouragement, by attending on the means of grace. By repeating their visits home at intervals, they have at length overcome prejudice so far, as to be heard with attention, on the subject of their change; and in one case, the convert (who is one of several brothers, Brahmins, who are the principal cultivators in the village) has been acknowledged by his family, and allowed to resume his place among them.

“Of those natives who attend Christian worship, one whole family have become candidates for baptism. The first of the family who became impressed with the subject of religion, was the eldest son; about two years ago, he proposed himself for baptism, but his father entreated Mr. Bowley to delay, and he also would consider whether he should not join the son. Mr. Bowley on this account recommended delay to the son; he has continued steady, and now the father and mother, and some other members of the family, are resolved to embrace Christianity.”

On the 20th of September the Archdeacon commenced his journey back to Calcutta. When above Rajemahl, he wrote

TO MR. SHERER.

“Oct. 4, 1826.

“At Benares and Chunar, our friends are greatly improved, and their usefulness and comforts increased by the ordination. There is also more of Christian union and love among them, and their work prospers. We call on the chaplains and missionaries as we pass along, and on few besides. We hope to reach the Berhampore river to-day. We have been mercifully preserved, during our journey on this uncertain river. By going leisurely, we have not had an alarm, while most persons we have met with have lost boats, or been some way annoyed. What lies before me I know not. I regret not having regularly to preach, for though ministers are too apt to read the Scriptures for others, I find it good in any way to be kept close to them.

“I sometimes long to visit you all; but vain are such longings, for after all, we are only that to each other which God makes us. The light of His countenance alone, maketh whole; and I should have no comfort in leaving my post, without some more evident necessity than appears at present.”

Archdeacon Corrie arrived in Calcutta toward the end of October, and early in the following month (Nov. 12th) was present at the opening of a new chapel at Mirzapore, in which it was intended to have the services of the Church of England statedly conducted in Bengalee. Not long before Bishop Heber left Calcutta on his last visitation, he had recommended the Church Missionary Society to make a pecuniary grant toward the building of the chapel, and the Archdeacon had laid the foundation-stone of it during the April of this year; the object mainly contemplated in the erection of it being, to afford native Christians and such natives as might be enquiring after Christianity, an opportunity for attending the worship of God, conducted in their own language. On this occasion, a considerable number of native Christians were assembled within the chapel, and the doors were thronged by crowds of Hindoos and Mahomedans, who were attracted to the spot.

On the day following, the Archdeacon writes

TO HIS BROTHER.

“Calcutta, Nov. 13, 1826.

“From Sherer you will learn our own affairs, and will know that since he left us we have been up to Benares. We are rendered uncomfortable in this large house by the decaying state of some part of the walls; so that our personal comfort is not increased by the enlargement of our limits. And so I have found it in every advance in temporal circumstances; something or other connected with it, has always prevented increase of enjoyment. All true happiness dwells in the mind: and O, “What shall I render to the Lord,” that the peace of God, through Christ Jesus, is no stranger to my breast? Too often, alas, have I had reason to mourn my backslidings in heart, and temper, and conduct; but if guilt removed return, the power of the atonement may, also, be again and again proved.

“I find myself more a bishop than during the former vacancy of this See; but here again the passings-by of some, the reluctance with which others apply for what they cannot do without, &c. might well embitter this temporary elevation also; but that, I trust, I have learned to forbear in some measure, and to forgive as I expect forgiveness; so that no breach has occurred with any of our body. I am bound both in conscience and consistency to take part in those measures which have, all along, given offence to some, whilst they are obliged also to take me with them in their plans. The reluctance, however, is on their part, for ‘so that Christ be preached, I rejoice.’

“Now our cold season is set in, I think with reluctance, of returning to England. Here, I trust, I am useful in helping on projects for the good of many thousands; in England, a small parish would be all I could undertake the charge of. Nothing, therefore, but decided inability to remain in India should make me leave it. Our children, indeed, cannot here fully comprehend that flow of the Christian affections which the interest taken in all classes at home calls forth; and whether I shall be able to part with them and their mother, for three years, to visit England, I know not. I greatly shrink from such a separation.

“You will have read the life of Dr. E. D. Clarke, and will have seen the intense desire with which, when abroad, he sought letters from home. Now something similar has always dwelt in me, though wife and children, dear as life, have consoled me under long silence from home. The life of Clarke is admirably well done. I remember the person of the biographer, and admired his fine delivery of a sermon at St. Mary’s [Cambridge]; the subject of it I have forgotten. But that is a long time ago, he must be getting old now, and I am following fast after him.”

During this month (Nov.) it was, that a circumstance occurred of some interest, as indicative of the feeling of the native mind, with regard to Christianity. It appeared that for want of funds, the Committee of the Church Missionary Society in Calcutta, were intending to withdraw their missionary from Culna, a populous town and district on the west bank of the Hooghly, where schools had been established. But no sooner were the principal native inhabitants of the place (who were chiefly of the Brahmin caste) apprised of that intention, than they presented a petition in Bengalee, to Archdeacon Corrie, requesting that the missionary might be continued with them. Among other things, they observed that:--

“They acknowledged that they formerly entertained some slight degree of apprehension of our sacred books; but that in consequence of the Rev. Mr. Deerr making known to them these our Scriptures, not only had their fears entirely vanished, but they considered that these books were deserving of unqualified reception, and highly beneficial; and on this account, they considered themselves equally benefitted, and rejoiced, as much as a man born blind when he receives his sight.”

It having been decided to appoint an assistant to Mr. Bowley, in the mission at Chunar, Mr. Landeman, who was born in India, and well acquainted with Hindoostanee, was the person fixed upon. Previously, however, to the departure of this gentleman from Calcutta, a meeting was held (Dec. 15, 1826,) in the Church Missionary Library, at Mirzapore, when Archdeacon Corrie delivered an address to Mr. Landeman, in which he took a brief review of the circumstances connected with the then state of missions, and the duties arising out of them. The whole address was characterised by that large-mindedness, singleness of heart, and tenderness, which the Archdeacon was wont to manifest on occasions like these.[129]

As several months had now passed since the death of Bishop Heber, the intelligence of the appointment of his successor, was daily expected to reach Calcutta. Thus the Archdeacon writes

TO MR. SHERER.

“Calcutta, January 25, 1827.

“It seems that the news of Bishop Heber’s death had reached England overland in August. ‘The Osprey,’ and ‘Barett,’ carry official accounts. We shall now soon hear of a successor. The head of the Church reigneth, let the earth rejoice; and may we wait the result in patience. You will hear that Mr. Mack published, in the ‘Monthly Friend of India,’ an attack on our Mirzapore friends; very unkind, and mistaken. It has recoiled painfully on their own head; for Adam, who is now editor of the Bengal Chronicle, has taken it up, and ‘John Bull,’ has responded; and the old sores about Serampore premises, imperfect translations, and fallacious statements, have all been laid open again. We have kept silence, though called upon for explanations, &c. &c., and the storm is a little blown over.... The time of difficulty in our funds, (viz) the end of our year, has come on, and I am often much cast down in mind. Great temptations arise to withdraw, and leave things to themselves: for few come freely to take a part.... But is not the cause of missions the cause of Christ? I fear really for those, who, with the opportunities now afforded, can overlook that cause. It seems pure selfishness, to be content that these [natives] should go on in ignorance and sin, so we get but to heaven ourselves: and it is often, I doubt, fear for myself, rather than love for the heathen, that keeps me, in a measure, at the Missionary helm. But here I must stay: yet after all, if I wear away, some might feel it then incumbent on them to take it up more efficiently. Doubtless a principle is at work in this community, which will lead the population forward rapidly in knowledge and character generally; and if it be not rightly directed, those who neglect the present season of operation will suffer: but I shall not see that time, rapid as the progress is. New states are plainly no place for a person who possesses a competency, and can enjoy repose. India especially, is not a country a man who knows anything of England would _choose_ to grow old in. Here, in a peculiar degree, the mind is forced to look off, both from the Church and from the world, to the Rock, Christ.”

TO THE SAME.

“Feb. 22, 1827.

“We are now more out of the way of such a bustle as we formerly were subject to, being, (as I think I told you) fixed in a nice little house at Cossipore; but I fear falling into the opposite extreme; for when we cease to do all we ought for the good of our fellow-sinners, we sin against the law of Christ. Surely, there is as little peace in retiring, selfish ease, as in bustling ambitious publicity. I returned a few days since, from Burdwan. The fields indeed, in that quarter, seems ‘white for the harvest,’ but both Mr. Perowne, and Mr. Deerr, are obliged to leave their posts, and seek change of air. Mr. Bowley is, also, becoming well attended to, about Chunar. Isaiah lx. 4, 5.[130] has been much on my mind, as applicable to these two spheres of Missionary labour at this time; and fear fills my heart, whilst it is enlarged with gratitude and thankfulness.

“What may be the effect of such a commotion as seems approaching, on the powers that be, and how we shall provide for the increased calls for men and money, I know not. But surely He whom we serve in the gospel of His Son, can, and will appear for us. Rumours have reached us about a new Bishop, and men unknown to missionary fame, have been named. This seems sad: let us in patience wait the event.

“Government has given forty rupees monthly to Chunar Church; and the same to Gorrikepore Church: and I am not without hope of getting a monthly salary for Bowley, as Minister on the Establishment, to a congregation of native Christian subjects of the Government. Yesterday was the Bible Society anniversary. An excellent report, drawn up by Mr. Goode: all our old plans are going on, sometimes briskly, sometimes heavily. ‘Faint, yet pursuing,’ my habitual motto.”

In the following month, (March 15) Archdeacon Corrie again visited Burdwan, for the purpose of examining the schools there, and also for making enquiry into the conduct of the head Pundit connected with the mission, who, for some time had been carrying on a system of double-dealing. It appeared that this Pundit had induced no less than thirteen Brahmins (most of them school-pundits) to apply to the Missionary at Burdwan for Christian baptism; and that, as a preliminary step, they had accordingly been receiving daily instruction from the missionary, and evidencing the while a good deal of apparent sincerity and earnestness. At length however, one of the number went to the missionary, and told him, that all that had occurred was mere hypocrisy, and had been kept up at the instigation of the head-Pundit; that the only object they had in view, was to induce, if they could, the missionary to “report them as enquirers after truth;” their notion being, that if that were but once published, they would have the missionary in their power, as they thought that, for consistency’s sake, he must keep up appearances, and so be obliged to continue them in their schools, and pay them their wages.

It has been thought desirable to mention the particulars of this transaction, because a repetition of such or similar attempts to deceive missionaries, may be expected to occur the more frequently, in proportion as the profession of Christianity becomes more common among the natives of India. It does not seem, however, that the Christian missionary need be unduly depressed by the occurrence of such instances of the sad depravity of the native character; for whilst deploring the miserable condition of the deceivers themselves, he will know that even they must have received more distinct ideas of divine truth than they otherwise would have had. For himself, he will learn how little confidence can be placed in any profession of Christianity, which does not originate in a change of heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost. Still, the Archdeacon found some encouraging circumstances connected with the mission at Burdwan. In the report of his visit, he relates:--

“I had some conversation with Manick, a Brahmin who was baptized on the 16th of December. He had been for some time employed by different missionaries. I asked him, ‘What he had seen in Christianity which led him to embrace it?’ he replied, ‘In the Hindoo _poorans_ and _shasters_ there is no certainty: one asserts one thing, another, another; but here is a clear way’--‘In what way in particular?’--‘More especially in the way of worshipping God: in other systems a variety of ceremonies and rites must be observed; in this it is required only to pray to God alone’--‘What have you learned to pray for?’--‘Daily I pray for pardon of sin; for this I daily require.’--‘What do you understand by sin?’--‘Whatever is not according to God’s commands.’ He then, in answer, repeated briefly the substance of the Ten Commandments; and said that every one must labour to fulfil them to the utmost of his power, though no one could do it perfectly. A good deal more conversation followed.”

The next communication from the Archdeacon shews him to have been still anxious respecting who might be Bishop Heber’s successor. It is addressed

TO MR. SHERER.

“Calcutta, April 7, 1827.

“It is now a year since Providence was pleased to withdraw our Bishop, and we have no tidings of a successor. We shall no doubt, hear in due time, but the delay of arrivals keeps us, also, in ignorance how matters stand with those who are dear to us in the bonds of nature. Since the beginning of January, we have continued to reside at Cossipore chiefly. The quiet, freedom and airiness of the situation is very agreeable to us; and when a Bishop arrives, I shall have less occasion to be so frequently in town. The ship that carries this, carries also Mr. Perowne and family. His removal just now is very painful, on account of the mission, as you can well judge. Deerr will reside there; but declines taking charge of the mission. Mr. Wilson will go up every month: he has been three times since you left us; and is very acceptable to the people; and we may hope the work will go on. Dear Abdool Messeeh is gone to his rest. A tumour somewhere in the back, of which he had nearly died two years ago, proved to be a carbuncle, brought on mortification and death. He always spoke of it as a boil; and his little medical knowledge proved indeed a fatal thing to him. But his end was according to the tenor of his life,--peaceful, intelligent, resigned. His last sensible breath was expended in singing a hymn, of the kind and meaning of that in Simeon’s collection, “Lord, remember me!”[131] An obituary is sent home, which you will no doubt see.[132] Mr. Reichardt will now have the principal charge at Mirzapore. His German order and system, is becoming very important to us. There are three catechists, who ought to be lectured once a week at least: and an account kept of their labours for the information of the Society. Mr. W. seems as if he could not do this. He will talk and preach from morning to night; but this particularity seems to him, resting in the letter; but Reichardt thinks otherwise, and rightly; and will labour also to render the whole a spiritual service. My sphere, as far as it appears, is about Benares. There our friends require only to be led; and I feel I have no power to command. I am expecting 300 Rupees a month [from Government] for Mr. Morris, as minister of Chunar. Greenwood is coming down to the Calcutta Grammar school, perhaps has arrived there; and Morris can officiate also in Hindoostanee, leaving Bowley free to itinerate. The Society will be relieved, in part, by these means, besides in some degree accredited by Government. Indeed, since I have been in charge, Government has done every thing I asked. Both Mr. H. and B. and Lord Combermere, have, in official matters, shewn much kindness; and I ask nothing else.... The expences of the mission, of necessity increase, as the work increases. Bowley now requires three bungalows in different villages, where influential people have embraced the gospel; and their neighbours desire, also, to hear more of ‘this way.’ Mirza Bagir, son of the traveller, Abu Talib Khan, was baptized last month. Mr. W. Bird was the means of his becoming acquainted with the Scriptures, and sent him to Bowley for baptism.”

In a communication addressed, in May, to the Church Missionary Society in England, the Archdeacon enters more fully into some of the encouraging circumstances, and prospective difficulties, then attending missions, and which are touched upon in the letter given above.

“Opportunities open on every side for missionary work: but we cannot meet them. I agree entirely, that the prospect of good, and not present local patronage, should move us in attempting new plans; but everywhere the population is very large, and access to them comparatively easy. Government has granted to Mr. Morris at Chunar 300 rupees a month, in consideration of services rendered to the native congregation; but new openings round that station call for increased help. One convert baptized last year, has, from his fisher’s death, become heir of his property in land: a place of worship is required in his village; with a school, and a native catechist. A Zemindar, also lately baptized, possessing property in land in a village opposite to Chunar, has called for the same kind of aid: a bungalow is building, and a catechist will reside with him. Thus success in our labours entails increased expense. We may hope that Divine Providence will raise up aid; but at present, we see not how. We may indeed, hope that the days of indifference on the part of the British are gone by, and that our Bishops will continue, in succession, to uphold the work of evangelization; but it seems to me that the most trying period for all our plans may yet be to come. Till help be raised up among the natives, or the Government take up the subject, the work will be up hill: we cannot expect the natives to join heartily till they taste the good of what is brought before them; and that will not be, humanly speaking, till the young now educating, grow into active life. The Government has given a precedent at Chunar, of helping to afford instruction to converted natives; but till congregations are collected, Government, on the present system, cannot help directly. Fifteen or twenty years then must pass on this “System of Mendicancy,” as Bishop Heber well termed it; and as we feel it to be, in a way which you at home cannot well understand: _you_ address congregations where all acknowledge the duty, and profess faith in God for its success--_we_ mix with those who scarcely acknowledge the duty or utility of attempting the conversion of the heathen, and have no hope of success. We are encouraged however, to persevere; and I trust that our faith will be found of a kind more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried, and sometimes as by fire; and that, after all, chiefly from within.”

During the summer of 1827, the Archdeacon had his equanimity somewhat disturbed by the intelligence that the sermon which he had printed on the death of Bishop Heber, only for circulation among his own friends, and those of the deceased prelate, had been made public in England. With reference to that circumstance, he writes

TO HIS BROTHER.

“I am filled with concern to hear that my sermon has been reprinted in England. It was intended to be purely private, and I sent some copies to be distributed privately. It will be fine game for the reviewers: well, I must be content. No man ever less sought publicity, or was less fitted for the trials connected with it. I have been led from one step to another, and it is singular that those with whom I have felt most closely united, have seemed least to rejoice in my advancement from time to time. I have acquainted you with some of my experience in the school of authority; and it has made me desire retirement more than ever; yet how I shall leave this country, except ill-health compel me, I know not.”

It must not be omitted to mention, that with the administration of the diocese of Calcutta, during this vacancy of the see, was connected a more active attention to the operations of the Society for Propagating the Gospel, and of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, than the Archdeacon had before felt called upon to give. To this was added an occasional correspondence with the English functionaries of those Societies. The following communication addressed to the secretary of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, will not be read without interest:--

“Calcutta, Sep. 15, 1827.

“I had yesterday the honour to receive your letter of March 1st., and beg to offer my best thanks to the venerable Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, for its acceptance of my offers of service, and to yourself for the obliging manner in which your communication is conveyed. On the subject of the Native schools, I would respectfully call your attention to the condition on which I proposed to transfer the funds to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; viz. “if the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge send out no more Missionaries.” It is with reference to the superintendence alone any difficulty can arise. My humble opinion is, that all the Societies in the Establishment should strive together in the good cause, and each support as many schools as it can, each at the same time supplying superintendence for its own schools. In this way all classes who support our Establishment will be induced to lend their aid; and it is agreeable to the constitution of human nature, and not contrary to the gospel, that each Society should labour to support its own schools whilst it rejoices in the prosperity of all. The superintendents being amenable to one Society, whilst the expenses of the schools are supplied by another, has led, I must say, to less exertion, and a less strict economy than would otherwise have been the case; and as in the case of the Rev. Mr. D’Mello at Howrah, some of his schools being supported by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, whilst others of them are supported by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, causes a perplexity in our proceedings, which the public will not take the trouble to understand. My purpose, however, in writing now is not to oppose but merely to put you in possession of the true state of things here, and my earnest endeavours shall be directed in conjunction with the other friends of the Society here, to promote its interests and uphold the credit it has justly acquired by its long and most beneficial labours in the cause of pure and undefiled religion. In its English department it is unrivalled, and the edification afforded by its lending libraries in this country cannot be expressed in adequate language.

“There is a circumstance connected with the support of native schools which has not been prominently brought forward; viz. the providing of school-books. This is a source of considerable expense, but without incurring it, schools are utterly inefficient. The school-book Society supplies its books to religious Societies at half-price; these are mostly of a mere elementary character, but necessary in their place. Besides these, our Diocesan Committee printed an edition of the discourses, miracles, and parables of our blessed Saviour, which has long been expended. The Diocesan Committee’s National schools have been supplied from time to time with copies both of the whole New Testament, and of the Gospels and Acts separately, by the Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society, and with copies of a catechism on the evidences and leading doctrines of Christianity, and of Watts’ catechism, and of dialogues on the events related in the book of Genesis, by a Mr. Ellerton, from the press of the Church Missionary Society (all gratis,) in Bengalee. Last week at a meeting of the Diocesan Committee’s Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, I submitted to the meeting the necessity of printing the books most sought after by the Natives, after the gospels, viz. Watts’s Catechism and Ellerton’s dialogues, at the press of Bishop’s College. A question then arose, at whose expense should they be printed, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, or the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel? and this question is to be discussed next quarterly meeting. In the meantime the schools will be supplied from the former sources. The Rev. Mr. Tweddle has been resident since June last in the Society’s house, connected with the Russypuglah circle of schools, and is greatly encouraged by the attention which many of the adult population pay to the subject of Christianity. Several have professed their desire to be baptized, but he delays a little to prove their sincerity and impart further instruction. In that neighbourhood the desire for schools is very urgent, and all, be it observed, are willing, I might say desirous, that the Christian Scriptures should be introduced. The objection to the Scriptures seems chiefly among the Brahmins and Pundits, and they counteract, without great care on the part of the Missionary, the willingness at least of the people to know something about the Gospel. The wise and the learned among the Hindoos, as formerly among the Greeks, are, generally speaking, least disposed to attend to the things which belong to their peace. To the poor the gospel is preached, and they will receive it; and as a wealthy native lately observed to me respecting native female education, ‘We shall soon be obliged to teach our daughters letters, for all the poor are becoming more knowing than the rich:’ so the superiority of character which Christianity produces in the poor will force the rich to reflect on their ways. Till then, we shall have to struggle with scanty funds and poor converts; and how long that may be, God only knows, but in due time we “shall reap if we faint not.” If you will have your schools prosper, and produce the fruits of righteousness, pray send Missionaries; but allow me to say, other kind of men are wanted here, than would suit well enough for North America. We want, besides good character, activity, aptness to learn languages, and to impart instruction. A Missionary who should come here merely to impart instruction in English would only waste his Society’s money, disappoint the expectations of those who sent him, and expose the ministerial character to contempt. The natives can perceive, and do admire the disinterestedness of a man, who can be content with little, whilst he spends his strength in native labours; but a clergyman living among a few Europeans at an out-station, without other employment, would be liable to be considered as on some account or other disgraced; like some who have been dismissed the service of government with a pittance to subsist on.

“I might perhaps have omitted to write now, as we have heard of the appointment of a Bishop; but I am anxious to afford to those who, like yourself, take an interest in the Church in India, information respecting the true state of our affairs. The reviewer of the church in India notices the many applications to Bishop Heber for Missionaries; and as an indication of improved feeling among Europeans here, it is a most gratifying fact; but if it should lead any to offer himself as a Missionary under the idea that English services were the chief thing required, and this idea should not be corrected by those who send him forth, the effect would be to misapply missionary-funds, and to fill India with a poor clergy to the saving of a rich Government.

“Accept, I pray, my unfeigned apology for any thing I have written which may appear irrelevant or uncalled for. As far as I know myself, my only desire is to promote the interests of the Established Church in these lands. I shall not again intrude myself on your attention; and at the age of fifty, in a climate like this, and after twenty-one years service, cannot expect to be of much use to a cause, the prosperity of which constitutes my chief joy.”

[119] Rev. Josiah Torriano, Vicar of Stansted-Mount-fitchet, Essex, formerly Chaplain to the E. I. C.

[120] A school-book written in Hindoostanee, by Archdeacon Corrie.

[121] A full account of this part of Hindoostan, with views of the scenery, is contained in “the Himalaya Tourist,” edited by E. Roberts.

[122] The mountain-pass at Hurdwar, the entrance to the Dhoon.

[123] Near Stamford.

[124] General G. fell at the commencement of the Nepaul war, in an heroic assault on the fort of Kalunga, on the 30th of October 1814.

[125] Edward A. Newton, Esq. now of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, U.S.

[126] A horse soldier.

[127] Bhurtpore was taken by storm on the 18th of January, 1826; and peace was concluded with Ava towards the end of the same month.

[128] An account of the proceedings on that sorrowful occasion is given in an Appendix to the Life of Bishop Heber.

[129] The address is given at length in the Missionary Register for 1827, pp. 489, &c.

[130] “Lift up thine eyes round about and see, all they gather themselves together, they come to thee; thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.”

[131] The following literal translation of this hymn is given by the Archdeacon in his memoir of Abdool:--

Beloved Saviour, let not me In thy kind heart forgotten be! Of all that deck the field or bower, Thou art the sweetest, fairest flower!

Youth’s morn has fled, old age comes on; But sin distracts my soul alone; Beloved Saviour, let not me In thy kind heart, forgotten be!

See Missionary Register, 1827, p. 453.

[132] Ibid. p. 449-453.