CHAPTER XVI.

ARRIVAL OF BISHOP JAMES--CONSECRATION OF THE BISHOP’S COLLEGE--DEATH OF BISHOP JAMES--VISIT TO THE UPPER PROVINCES.

Although Dr. James was consecrated Bishop of Calcutta on the 3rd June, 1827, yet intelligence of his appointment to that See, did not reach Calcutta till toward the close of the year. In the meanwhile questions and difficulties had arisen, which the authority of a Commissary was not sufficiently recognised to settle, and the letters of the Archdeacon contain, in consequence, many expressions of anxiety for the arrival of the Diocesan. To his brother he writes:--

“I have sent home several folios of late about Missions and other matters: some private to Mr. Sherer, some to Mr. Bickersteth. If you have any curiosity about such matters, you may gratify it by referring to those sources; for I am weary of the subject, though it is getting every day more perplexing, and deserving of more attention.”

The domestic affairs of the Archdeacon were, also, a source of trial; for the health of his children (especially that of the eldest,) had of late been gradually suffering from the climate, until it became necessary to arrange for sending them to England, accompanied by their mother. In the prospect of this separation from his family, he writes

TO MR. SHERER.

“Nov. 12, 1827.

“Altogether, we concluded that it was the will of God that they should proceed to England. Wherein we have decided amiss, the Lord pardon us; for I am painfully certain that not every movement that comes recommended by fair appearances, is from above, but often to prove whether we trust God or not.”

And after the day of actual separation had arrived the Archdeacon writes

TO HIS BROTHER.

“Calcutta, Dec. 14, 1827.

“The ship which carries this, sails at the same time with the ‘Duke of Lancaster,’ which carries my earthly treasures. I try to think of my children as going to school, and their Mother going to take care of them. This, in our circumstances, is duty; but I have known no trial to be compared to it, except parting with Mary, when I went the first time to embark at Portsmouth. I cannot, in sober thought, bring myself to resolve on following them; but much may arise to render it proper, if not necessary: and as I made no positive resolve on leaving home about returning, I make none now about remaining here. When our infants were called away, their Mother and others in their stead were left. Now all are going; but there is hope, in every sense, of meeting again. I feel too proud, I fear, of my children, as most parents perhaps do. Their Mother and I have enjoyed as much of happiness, as earth affords; and remembrance of happiness only will follow her: whether ever to be renewed, He only knows certainly who is engaged to make all things work together for our good.”

The time was now approaching when the Archdeacon was to be relieved from his duties as Commissary, for within a month of the date of the preceding letter, he writes

TO HIS WIFE.

“January 21, 1828.

“The Bishop is at length arrived. He was installed yesterday. On Monday the report of the ‘Mary Anne’s’ arrival reached us; on Friday [Jan. 17,] we went down, Messrs. Eales, Abbott, Mill, Cracraft, Prinsep (the younger.) We found the ship at Culpee, near to where we met Bishop Heber. Bishop James resembles him much in appearance and manner. He is evidently of a kind disposition, and for my own part, I have much reason to be satisfied with my reception.

“I have not ascertained any of the Bishop’s plans, nor perhaps has he yet settled any. I mentioned the residence in the Upper Provinces, but he did not think the Archdeacon could be spared from Calcutta, on account of the frequent absence of the Bishop.”

The bishop, however, expressed a wish that, subject to his own instructions, his correspondence with the Chaplains and the Government, should be carried on by the Archdeacon, but it does not appear that any plan to that effect was settled. As regarded himself, the Archdeacon occupied his comparative freedom from public business, in assisting the chaplains in their clerical duties, in finishing the translation of the Prayer-book and the Homilies into Hindoostanee, and in superintending a translation of the Prayer-book into Persian by Mr. da Costa. These were all afterwards printed, either by, or by the aid of, the Prayer-book and Homily Society. With reference to these occupations, the Archdeacon writes

TO HIS WIFE.

“Feb. 12, 1828.

“I have been officiating at Howrah, and the same sermon enabled me to assist Goode; so that I have not been idle, and am much the better for it.”

And again:--

“I know not what C. has taken [to England] for you: I told him to take you a copy of the translations of the Common Prayer. I send three copies, by this ship, to the Prayer Book and Homily Society. It is found fault with, as Martyn’s Testament was; but I care little, as time will bring to light the labours I have gone through; and those who can improve it may.”

He adds--

“I have been much moved by the affection of the Hindoostanee congregation for John Adlington. He has always been more disposed to suffer in silence, than to complain; yet after some time the Native Christians became so attached to him on account of his ministrations, that one day, on going to Church, he found a _punkah_[133] hung up for him. The place for the Communion table being bare, one begged to be allowed to place a mat on it. Another placed a carpet, where John stood to minister; and lately one came and said, he had been so comforted at the Communion, that he begged to be allowed to present a silver cup, and wished to know what shape John would have it made in. These are genuine expressions of Christian Native feeling, beyond what has appeared here; for Bowley is a great disciplinarian, and his people are more under awe than John’s flock. These facts the Hindoostanee Homilies brought to my mind; for the translation is now read to the people.”

It has now to be observed, that as the frequent correspondence which the Archdeacon maintained with his wife, during the time that she was absent from India, affords a kind of Journal of the writer’s own feelings, and of such occurrences as passed under his notice, little more for the present is necessary than to subjoin extracts from his letters to her. Thus, under date of April 7th, he writes:--

“I should tell you that Mr. Deerr had a most interesting occasion last week, at Culna; he has baptized five persons there, and another offered himself. The new Christians begged the baptism might take place in their quarter of the large spreading town. No appropriate building being available, Mr. Deerr had a table set under a tree, in a large Mango grove; the table covered with ‘a fair linen cloth,’ and on it a marble basin full of pure water. The Christians sung a hymn. About one hundred and fifty assembled. Mr. Deerr preached from “Hallowed be thy name.” All were hushed in silent attention; not a sound besides Mr. Deerr’s voice, except the gentle sighing of the breeze among the branches. Mr. Deerr hopes a good impression was made. A little circumstance characteristic of the people must be added: after the service, an old woman came up to Mr. Deerr full of bustle, ‘Sir,’ said she ‘one of your Christians owes me money, command him to pay me.’ Mr. Deerr said this was not a suitable time for such business. ‘Sir,’ replied she, ‘if I am not heard in so holy an assembly, where shall I get justice?’”

It might seem an unkindness to his memory to keep back another portion of the same letter, illustrative as it is (with many other extracts that might be given) of that enduring strength of natural affection, with which the subject of these Memoirs was so peculiarly imbued.

“This is a day, on several accounts, to be remembered by us. It is your birth-day; it is also close on my own. It is a day long to be remembered, too, for the sorrow we were visited with ten years ago; when our John was removed from this scene of trial, to behold his Father’s face in heaven. It is fit that we should call these things to remembrance; whilst deep humiliation becomes us, before Him who has been about our path all our days. We have much, also, to praise him for, both as it respects the past, and the present. I think of you now as about the Channel, approaching your desired haven. How the weather may have proved, and what the society on board ship, and whether my children have escaped all accidents, and how your health has been? These are anxious questions [to which] I must wait some months for an answer. To what, also, may await you in England. ‘Is my father yet alive,’ the ‘old man’ to whom we all owe so much? But why perplex myself on these accounts? I could not but observe yesterday, how blessed is the appointment, that time alleviates the feeling of loss. What agonies did we endure, when our John was taken away? Of Emily, I confess, I think less, because I knew her not as you did; but now it seems well, that they are safely lodged in the Lamb’s bosom, and it would be unkind to wish them back. O may our two remaining loves hear the Saviour’s voice, and in their early youth, know the love and kindness of His heart!”

The Archdeacon afterwards forwarded to his wife, the following memorandum:--

“Calcutta, Thursday, April 10, 1828.

“This day completes my fifty-first year. The last year has proved very eventful in several respects. The change in my circumstances by the departure to England of my wife and children, is great and painful beyond my expectation, though I anticipated painful things. The change in the circumstances of the Church Mission, by the sickness of several, and the defection of others, is painful to a degree. A blight seems to have come over my temporal prospects; and much reason is there for self-examination, as to why I am thus: but I need not go far, nor search long. To my own soul, at least, the cause is so obvious as to silence all complaints. If these be not for my individual sin, yet my sins deserve much more of mortification and shame. In company, vain words and compliances leave a sense of sin that would drive me to solitude: solitude cannot be improved without the grace of solitude. Indolence, preference of amusement to profit, want of delight in the Scriptures; in public and in private, in the pulpit and in the closet, in capacity to benefit myself or others, is brought more power fully home to me, as I advance in life. And will it ever be otherwise? And how can I meet death in this state? I know theoretically the fulness, freeness and sufficiency of the Saviour’s grace, but am I a partaker therein? I can think of my beloved family without exertion, and follow the intimations of my wife’s will, though she be far removed from the knowledge of what I do, or power of contradicting me; were the love of the Saviour as really in me, would it not operate in the same way with reference to His will? I know it would; and pray to be kept from self-deceiving. O, may I take no rest until I have the evidence of that faith in me which worketh by love, and overcomes the world, the flesh and the Devil! I resolve that thus it shall be, the Lord being my helper.’ Amen.”

In a subsequent letter the Archdeacon writes to his wife:--

“I have been very busy since I last wrote. A poor creature who killed his wife in a fit of jealousy, sent for me last week; and I visited him several times before the day, and on the morning of his execution. My dreams for several nights were of prisoners and fettered captives, imploring help. The man was a native of Dacca, a Native christian, spoke English with considerable fluency, and had acquired, from attending on Michael Rosario, a considerable knowledge of Scripture: and had not his awful crime called for more pungent sorrow than he exhibited, he might have passed out of life with a good name for christian knowledge. To his own master he hath given an account. The day after this poor creature left the world, I was startled by a note from G. saying, ‘_his brother was indeed gone_!’ We had heard, of his (the aid-de-camp) illness, but had no idea he was in danger: but so it has come to pass. That finely-formed youth, who was, perhaps, too proud of the personal advantages God had given him, was seized with fever, and sunk under the effects, [of it] in a few days, aged twenty-one! Poor R. G. when he found his brother was in danger, spoke to him of the Saviour: and the dying youth, it seems, poured out a prayer, that, for Christ’s merits, he might find a place in His kingdom. ‘And this,’ says R. G. ‘is the only ray of light that this dark dispensation affords.’”

The following letter records an interesting passage in the history of Bishop’s College, Calcutta.

“May 16, 1828.

“Yesterday was Ascension day, and it was a ‘high day’ at Bishop’s College. The consecration of the chapel and burial-ground took place. All the clergy were invited by advertisement. The Bishop said that he should be at the Ghaut,[134] opposite the College, at five o’clock in the morning. I left home, therefore, at four: Latham and Adlington went with me. We arrived first; and as the Bishop had said that his coach would be full, we took advantage of a dingy,[135] and passed over before him,--but there was no meeting, or any reception at the Ghaut. We mustered at Mill’s; and from thence proceeded to the place appointed for a burying-ground. M. had prepared a shepherd’s crook, gilt, with an ornamented staff; and this was carried before us, by a Native christian from Madras, with a coat of crimson colour, such as you know they wear on the coast. We then assembled in the anti-chapel of the chapel, and the Consecration service began; the gilded crook being carried before us, up to the Communion-table. The ceremony was then gone through, and M. preached the Sermon from Malachi i. 2. ‘From the rising of the sun even until the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles, &c.’ In the conclusion, he quoted part of the prayer used by Bishop Middleton, on laying the first stone; and pointed to his monument on the wall. I was, perhaps, the only person present besides himself, who had taken part in that ceremony. Mr. Schmidt, the Old Church organist, had been engaged, with his three school-singing boys, and also a finger organ for the occasion. They chaunted ‘The _Venite_,’ ‘_Te Deum_,’ ‘_Jubilate_,’ and sang an Ascension hymn before Communion, and after Communion, an anthem from the eighth Psalm. The Armenian deacon was present in his festival robes, which were of yellow stuff, with a collar worn as our scarf, figured with large crosses embossed. The Bishop provided a breakfast in the hall, to which forty persons sat down.

“May 18th. We are just returned from the Cathedral, W. and J. Adlington were ordained priests. Henderson preached the sermon. Dear John, as pale as death; but he got through without distress. When we commenced the Communion Service, and I was reading the prayers for the Church militant, the remembrance of the last ordinations, and of the beloved Bishop Heber, came so strongly upon me, that I could scarcely give utterance to the expression of thanks for those departed in the faith and fear of God our Saviour: I, however, got through. The whole congregation were kept the whole time, but only Mrs. James, and Miss O. communicated, besides the clergy.”

In the letters which Archdeacon Corrie wrote about this time, he frequently mentions the failing health of Bishop James. Thus he writes in a communication, dated

“Calcutta, June 30, 1828.

“The Bishop left this place last week, [for the Upper Provinces.] He continued very ill past Chinsurah. He has constituted me his commissary for this Archdeaconry, and the other Archdeacons for their’s respectively; and so devolved everything upon us, reserving only the power of interfering when he pleases; and that before any definitive sentence shall be passed, reference shall be made to him. Had the former Bishops done this, they might both, perhaps, have been alive still; and had not the present Bishop their fate before him, he might not have thought of such a measure; and if there be a real necessity for it, as to a considerable extent there is, there should be more Indian Bishops.”

This deputing of the administration of a portion of the diocese to the Archdeacon, necessarily increased his occupations; yet his correspondence intimates that he neither declined to perform ordinary clerical duty as occasion served, nor to attend to affairs of missions. Scarcely a month however had elapsed, ere increased illness obliged the Bishop to return to Calcutta; and so seriously unwell was he on reaching that place, that it was not considered advisable for him to land. Respecting the Bishop’s state of health, Archdeacon Corrie writes,

TO MR. SHERER.

“Calcutta, August 8, 1828.

“Bishop James has been, and now is, at death’s door, from liver complaint. He was affected with it in England, and this climate has excited the disease, almost to death, if indeed he survive. He has sent in his resignation of the bishoprick, and is gone to New Anchorage to embark on board the Huntley, for Penang. He told me that his plan is, to stay awhile at Penang, and go from thence to Bombay, and, if possible, to New South Wales, and so to England. Thus we are again without a Bishop, although he will be nominally so, whilst he remains within the Company’s territories.”

With reference to missions, the Archdeacon adds:--

“A blessing is vouchsafed to Deerr’s labours, beyond most. He has lately baptized eleven persons, viz. five at Burdwan, and six at Culna. Our Report exhibits sixty added to the Church; and since May 1st, fifteen more. Simon, one of my school-boys, has resigned a salary of eighty rupees a month, to engage (unsolicited) in Missionary work. Thus, among many discouragements the gospel grows among us.”

During the ensuing month the Archdeacon had occasion to visit some of the stations on the river; and observes in a memorandum: dated

“Fultah, Sep. 18, 1828.

“By unexpected circumstances I find myself here, just twenty-two years since passing a day here on my [first] arrival in India. How altered for the worse is this place! How many changes have I seen since then! How altered in contrast, are my circumstances! A stranger then, wandering, friendless, and in my own apprehension, poor; for I understood in England, my salary would be three hundred pounds a year, and was warned that it would supply no superfluities. Though this was a mistake as to sterling amount, and there was something, I apprehend, of a pious fraud used, to prevent my taking the appointment from temporal motives;--though I have enjoyed much beyond what was then contemplated by friends or myself, yet I am still poor; though, blessed be God, neither friendless, nor without a certain object in life. When I say poor, I mean in worldly reckoning, for I am rich, in not caring for riches. I have long seen that they add neither to personal worth, nor public usefulness; except as used with a single eye, to the grace and goodness of God in granting them. As to objects, I now see what is practicable, in reference to the spread of the gospel in the land, which I was utterly ignorant of when I came here in 1806; and what reason for thanksgiving to God is there, that times and circumstances are so much more favourable now! Then all was untried and uncertain to a great degree; now the work of Missions is better understood; success has been in many instances granted to it, and the duty and probability of success of the work made, in a considerable degree, manifest.”

At the time the foregoing remarks were penned, the Church in India had been again deprived of her chief pastor, by death; although the intelligence of Bishop James’ decease did not reach Calcutta until the 17th of Oct. In apprising Mrs. Corrie of that mournful event, and of his preaching the Bishop’s funeral sermon, in the cathedral on Sunday morning, Oct. 19, the Archdeacon writes:--

“I took for a text Job xxx. 23, [“I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.”] I offered--

“I. Some reflections on our situation in the world. As rational creatures, we are subject to a law which we have broken, in consequence of which death reigns. But a reprieve is proclaimed, and an offer of escape from the second death made by Jesus Christ.

“II. Christianity can render the prospect of death and the grave, comfortable--‘a house,’ ‘a home.’

“III. But it is by self-application that it does so; “_I know_ that thou wilt bring me to death.”

“IV. And by a determination to live under the influence of the self-application. “_I know_,” is experimental, not mere theory.

“Application, 1st. Let every instance of mortality around us, lead us to set our house in order; thus we shall be growing in capacity for the enjoyments and employments of heaven. Nor can our conduct, in this respect, fail to have a powerful influence on our general character, as members of society. He who thinks not of death, and of preparation for it, cannot set an example of religious living to others. He who wilfully postpones the subject, will shun solitude; the concerns of a future state will be, as much as possible, kept out of sight, and temporal considerations will be all in all.

“Finally, with reference to the occasion of my appearing in this place to-day, to men who live not under the impression of death and the grave, the removal of one after another, of the chief pastors of the Church, will appear in no other light, than the removal of secular persons. The improvement in the religious condition of our own community being suspended, and the consequent influence such improvements might have had on the immortal interests of the natives, among whom we dwell, being interrupted, and to a considerable extent postponed,--these will not enter into the consideration of those, who value not Christianity as the only ground of a sinner’s hope; the only guide of his judgment and practice. How many of our countrymen now proceeding in an irreligious course, might, by the example, and the exertion of great attainments put forth in the service of religion, aided by the influence of high station, have been turned to a life of righteousness! How many of the youth, among our countrymen at our stations, exposed to every wind of temptation, with scarcely any controlling influence, might by such exertions, and such influence, have been saved from premature death, and rendered heirs of everlasting life! These and similar considerations, will not enter into the calculations of men who live only for the present world. True Christians, however, whilst they sympathise with bereaved relations and friends, mourn chiefly the loss of the immortal interest of mankind, involved in these, seemingly premature, bereavements. They will pray that surviving ministers may be enabled to redouble their diligence and zeal; as their work is no less, and their disadvantages greater. They will pray that the Lord of the harvest may send suitable labourers into the great and important field of labour; and then, whatever may be the result as to others, our own enjoyments will be heightened, by conscious attention to the duties which present circumstances call us to; and we shall be kept in patient continuance in well doing; waiting for that glory, honour, and immortality, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to all who love his appearing.”

By the premature death of Bishop James, the administration of the diocese of Calcutta devolved for the second time on Archdeacon Corrie; and it could scarcely be supposed, but that the increased demands on his time which these changes brought with them, would to some extent debar him from corresponding so frequently with his friends, as he might formerly have been able to do. We find him, therefore, now observing to his valued friend, the

REV. J. BUCKWORTH.

“Among the causes of my not writing to you, one is, that much of what I write home is published, so that you know generally what I am about. This circumstance, also, has contributed to the difficulty I often find in writing to friends. The publication of my letters has at times occasioned me great uneasiness, chiefly on my own account. You cannot but know how little qualified I am for the public sphere unto which I have been called. You know, also, how little in early life I intended it; and, I can truly say, I have never desired it, and now greatly wish for the shade, my proper place. Another cause of my unfrequent correspondence is, the wearisome, inward conflict I endure, with little or no intermission. I travel, indeed, heavily on the heavenly way. Few, I think, can be burdened as I am with the body of sin and death. My views of the plan of salvation have been clear, I apprehend, from the early part of my course; and I may thank you, in no small degree for this; but every now and then, the evil of my heart breaks out, as it were, more inveterately than ever, and I seem ready to perish. The text of the first sermon you preached at Stoke, is my stronghold at this time, Psalm xxv. 11, “For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity; for it is great.” It needs infinite mercy, and infinite merit; and _both_ are manifested in Christ Jesus.... These interruptions, and the differences which have arisen amongst the religious public with you, make me fear the latter day glory is not to be revealed so soon as once was generally apprehended. I see no reason to differ from Scott’s general view of Scripture truth; but I observe most of those at home, who contend so strenuously for the personal reign [of Christ,] and those here, who have been most dissatisfied with Missionary matters, are high doctrinal men. Well, the counsel of the Lord shall stand. His hand goes not forth even now in vain: where humble men persevere in setting forth the Saviour, as the sinner’s only hope, some are drawn to Him. Souls are added to the Church frequently, at almost every Missionary station; and the Word of God is taking root, up and down this part of India. Three remarkable instances have lately come to light, of individuals far removed from each other, in the upper parts of the Presidency, receiving incidentally the New Testament [translated,] taking it home, and, after understanding the blessed contents, calling their friends and neighbours, to hear the Scriptures read. In one case, the man was murdered; though it is thought for his wealth, rather than in a way of persecution. In another case, the man was obliged through persecution to flee from his native place, and in the third case, as a brother of some influence in the place, has taken a decided part in favour of the gospel, it is hoped more good will result to the neighbourhood. But the labourers are very, very few; and if larger salaries are [not] to be given to Missionaries, the number must diminish rather than increase. It seems as if we must labour more, to raise up labourers on the spot. This has always been an object with me; but I have had but little success. Now, indeed, some young men, born in this country, are coming forward to offer themselves for Missionary work. The characters of such, in a natural point of view, are almost always less robust than that of Englishmen. Their bodies are generally feebler, and the mind seems to partake of the same. They, however, assimilate more to the natives; seem to bear with their feebleness of character, and meet the case of the unconverted with more readiness than Englishmen can do, from the entirely different channel in which their ideas flow. It is, perhaps, never intended that the Indian should equal the European in energy; and we must be content with things as the God of nature intended them. My attachment to the country increases, as my acquaintance with the people, and, also, the language, becomes more familiar. I must mention, that during the last year, and with the help of competent assistants, I have translated and have printed a complete copy of the Book of Common Prayer. Every letter and tittle of the Prayer-Book is now clothed in the Hindoostanee language, and will become increasingly useful, as the borders of our Zion become enlarged.”[136]

At the beginning of November 1828, Archdeacon Corrie set out to visit the Upper Provinces of Bengal. A Journal of his proceedings is contained in his correspondence with his wife.[137] Thus he writes from

“Burdwan, Nov. 8, 1828.

“I yesterday, at half past ten o’clock, went to Bogbonar: Candy and Hammond went with me. I felt relieved on getting away from Calcutta. At twelve the tide turned. I had a long look at our sweet Cossipore abode. The Ganges is unusually full this season, so that by the time I reached Serampore, the tide turned again. I stopped therefore at Marshman’s, where Mrs. J. Marshman gave me a kind welcome.

“Bearers being procured, I set off soon after four o’clock, for Chinsurah; but it being Kalee-poojah, they were tipsy. At first, they shouted and joked; afterwards, getting tired, they quarrelled, and scolded, and, amidst deafening noise, I did not get to Herklot’s till 8 o’clock.... I set off for Burdwan, where I arrived before ten this morning. Deerr and his family are well. They have two fine children, a boy, and a girl, very like each other, and the picture of health. My mind is kept in a measure of peace. I have begun the book of Joshua, for travelling reading. I trust Joshua’s God is with me; and that I go on my way according to His will.

“Sunday, 9th. This has been a day of mixed feeling. In the morning, I met the native Christians at family worship. There were twenty-two present. There are two sick, and three absent, making twenty-seven adults, besides children. A converted Brahmin read 1 Cor. xi.; and Deerr interpreted what observations I wished to make to them, on the Lord’s Supper. They seemed to understand. Something also was said to the women, on the honour conferred on them by the gospel, in restoring them to their original state, as the helpmeet of man, and fellow-servants of the Lord. They seemed to understand, and were very attentive. At ten o’clock, Divine service in English; about fifteen present. Knowing that the Bengalee worship was waiting, I did not prolong the English service beyond half-past eleven--got back to the Mission-house quarter before twelve o’clock; but the [Bengalee] worship did not commence till half-past. After a selection from the morning prayer, and a hymn, Deerr preached on the institution of the Lord’s Supper. I found that three men and two women had not been instructed with reference to the Sacrament, and at my desire they withdrew. The Lord’s Supper was then administered to ten men and six women; I read the prayer of consecration in English. I then pronounced the words in Bengalee, which I had written down in Roman characters; and gave the bread, and Deerr the wine. The whole went off, I trust, in an edifying manner; and, on the whole, thankfulness prevailed.... One end of my coming was, by this means to try some, and promote the edification of others. It is found that being baptized merely, does not prevent return to caste: partaking of the Lord’s Supper does. In consequence, one tried to evade putting the bread into his mouth; and another, on drinking of the cup, nodded slily to another, as much as to say (in my interpretation of his look and manner) ‘We are caught.’ This is sad: but some are sincere beyond all doubt; and, I may be mistaken in my judgment of others. Mrs. Deerr and her sister say of the women, that their carelessness (as it appears to me) is merely their shyness at the appearance of a stranger. One thing was very pleasing, they were almost all well-looking people; clean, and nicely dressed--and gave me the impression of being the better sort. The two I have mentioned as sick, are a young Brahmin and his wife. He is upwards of six feet high, with quite the erect, independent look and manner of the Brahmin--He is of the highest caste. One uncle is Treasurer to the Commercial Bank; and a cousin is the Dewan[138] of the Burdwan Rajah, at one of his Purgunahs.[139] Notwithstanding the favourable appearances here, it would be easy for an unfeeling man to break up the work; and render what is doing, matter of worldly scorn. The English around are too careless to take notice of what is doing; and too ignorant of the ways of the people among whom they dwell, to judge rightly. I have always been averse to exciting too much attention in them to missionary work, knowing how easily an ungodly man might turn it all into ridicule. But from my inmost soul, I rejoice even in these very imperfect beginnings--I am sure they are the beginning of better days.

“Nov. 20th. I am now within four coss [eight miles] of Benares, on the Calcutta side of the Ganges, waiting for bearers, who ought to have been waiting for me. You are made acquainted with my intention of visiting the missions here. I wrote to you from Burdwan on the twelfth. On that day I went to Bancorah, and had a rainy and very tiresome journey on account of the broken road. I received great kindness from Dr. and Mrs. Clarke--Dr. C. laid my _dawk_, so as to admit of my resting every night at one of the stageing bungalows, and I am, thus far, rather refreshed than otherwise by the journey. I am glad to have travelled this road; for after having traversed in all directions the valley of the Ganges, I had no idea of the varied scenery which borders on it; on the west side, as well as the east. About one hundred miles from Calcutta, at Bancorah, the ground begins to rise: the range of hills we saw at Cuttack, runs on the left hand (going upwards); and you proceed through an uneven surface of country, (the scenery a good deal like the Dhoon,) ascending for a hundred miles more. Then a table-land commences, of nearly another hundred miles, but abounding in ups and downs; and presenting, at different points, views such as we saw in the Himalahs; only by no means on so grand a scale.... At about three hundred miles from Calcutta, steep ghauts occur; and by degrees, the traveller gets to the plains you know so well.

“Nov. 22, 1828. I arrived about twelve o’clock on the 20th at Secrole. On the way from a large ghaut, where I crossed the river, a new, tall steeple, pointing to the skies, attracted my eager eyes, as I approached Secrole. You cannot conceive what a picture the Church is now become. The inside enlarged by the removal of the internal wall, to the north, and the south; and the verandah inclosed. A new pulpit and reading-desk of really exquisite workmanship; and the front of the organ-gallery of the same; executed, as the whole has been, under Mr. J. P. Prinsep’s immediate eye. A well-proportioned stone font, placed near the west entrance; and the whole arranged with real taste and propriety. I could fill sheets with all I see and hear. I will only now add, that the state of this station affords a striking comment on the sin of despising the day of small things. I used to come, first to Wheatley’s back parlour, and meet a few writers and artillery men. We then got an unoccupied house, and all the station assembled; but next week, an alarm was taken: ‘The discontented would take advantage of our assembling, and fall upon us, and cut off all the English together.’ General M. would no more allow the artillery-men to attend. Thomas B. declared he would not again venture into such a ruinous dwelling; but strange to say the house is yet standing. We then assembled in S’s. house, every third Sunday: and after two more years, I ventured to circulate a proposal for building a place of worship, out of which, by remarkable progress as you know, has sprung the present commodious and really elegant structure. The new Missionaries are not arrived here yet; nor likely to be here for ten days to come.

“Chunar, Nov. 29. To my great joy, the church is substantially repaired, looks better than ever, and is likely to stand a century. I yesterday had evening service: the Church was full; not less than two hundred and fifty people, including three officers and their families, of the Regulars. Last Sunday I had service twice at Secrole. P. was here. To-morrow I purpose having service twice here. This will testify of my strength; for indeed, not being, by my situation, called to it, I would not attempt so much, if I suffered from it.

“Benares, Dec. 6th. 1828. Crauford, Wilkinson, Bowley, Eteson, and Frend have arrived; who, together with Proby, make seven Padres: and to-day Mr. Adams, of the London Society, and Mr. Robertson, of the same, came in. We commenced soon after ten o’clock, and continued till after two. We. discussed the signs of the times, with reference to the spread of the gospel among Europeans and Natives in India. The utility of schools where boys leave early, and the evidences required in adults, in order to baptism. Each spoke in turn, and, on the whole, order was kept; and all seemed gratified. It was admitted, that the progress of the gospel advances. Many instances were adduced of its gaining a hold on the native public. One man, eighteen coss from Allahabad, heard the gospel from a Missionary; and received a copy of the New Testament. He read it at home to his family; his neighbours also came to hear, till the usual effects began to appear; some siding with him, others opposing. Lately he came to Mr. Crauford, to know what he must do. A Fakeer received a gospel, and sent it to his village in Goruckpore district. His brother, a Thannadar,[140] had, also, received a gospel from Mr. Wilkinson. The two brothers now unite in reading the Gospel, and collect their neighbours to hear. The raising up of native teachers was also adduced: and the power of Divine truth, in rendering aged Hindoos active and industrious in spreading the knowledge of the gospel, instanced in several cases. Schools were admitted to be of incalculable value; especially as rendering the visits of the Missionary welcome to the adults of a village; and, it may be hoped, in preoccupying the mind with some degree of useful knowledge; though, as yet, no direct instances of conversion have come to light in the schools. It was agreed, that repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, should be required in candidates for baptism: but it was also agreed, that the fruits of these would appear in vast variety, and be differently judged of by Missionaries; so that no one should judge another in the admission of converts. In the evening, I preached in the Church from John xvii. 20, 21. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

“December 12th. Yesterday we passed at the mission bungalow. Mr. E. from Ghazeepoor also joined us. So that there were eight padres. The forenoon was passed as the day before. We discussed the influence the personal character of a Minister is likely to have on his office; and agreed to some resolutions on a prayer-union, as formerly set on foot by Mr. Brown. This may prove a blessing to others also. At dinner, much discussion arose about recording conversations with natives on religious points; and the general opinion was favourable to its utility. I was asked to print my sermon, preached on Wednesday evening. If I see any prospect of usefulness, I may do so.[141]

“Dec. 13th, 1828. This evening, I have experienced the greatest pleasure in Hindoostanee worship, I can remember ever to have done. About sun-set, I rode into the Bazaar, and saw a crowd; and on approaching, I found the missionaries with Tryloke, raised on the steps of a door; T. arguing with great seriousness, and perfect calmness of manner, and the people listening attentively. There had been levity, it seems, displayed by some of the crowd before I came; but they were then all serious; and T’s manner and appearance were very patriarchal. I was much solemnized by the scene: we then adjourned to the preaching-house. Charles prayed and read our Lord’s discourse with the woman of Samaria, with a comment, adding also some appropriate remarks of his own, and ended with prayer. Kewal Messeeh, then, commenced a hymn, in Hindoostanee; and a few joined him. The measure also was Hindoostanee. The words, and his correct manner, affected me much; and arrested the attention of many of the hearers. It was to the effect of “O Jesu, Saviour, God, shew mercy;” and then instanced several proofs of his power; and the last verse was an exhortation to trust in that mercy, as the only safe way of salvation. Tryloke then read a sermon on, “There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” He read with animation, but towards the conclusion of his prayer, his earnestness for his neighbours, and especially for his own family, was very affecting. He seemed to wrestle for a blessing upon them. Doubtless these are the fruits of the Spirit; and God’s presence is evidently with them.

“Sunday evening, 14th. This forenoon, a full church at English service. At three o’clock, p. m., Mr. Frend read prayers in Hindoostanee, with wonderful propriety, considering the short time he has been in the country. His pronunciation is distinct, and he would be perfectly understood, though some words were imperfectly expressed. After prayers, three adult converts from Hindooism were baptized by Mr. Bowley. The mother of one of them came in an agony to church, and also his brother; but he refused to forego his purpose. After church, the poor woman seemed more resigned, saying, ‘her son was old enough to judge for himself; and she did not know what might have moved him to the step.’ The family live near the church. Another was a teacher of a school; the third was brought to the faith of Christ by means of an Indigo planter, and sent hither for baptism. He gave his mala[142] to Mr. Eteson, saying, it was once his treasure, ‘but now,’ said he, ‘these are my treasures;’ referring to a Hindoostanee Prayer-book and New Testament he had under his arm. After the baptisms, Mr. Wilkinson preached in Hindoostanee, on the baptism of the Eunuch. I could not but be very thankful for the means of instruction thus supplied. I felt how much better the people of this place were off, in respect of means of grace, than when I resided here; and, I think, I was, from my heart, content to sink in the scale; and that these devoted servants of Christ should become in every way more useful, and as ministers, more honourable; and may an abundant blessing follow the instructions afforded here this day!”

“Dec. 25th, 1828. This day has been a day of thanksgiving. At church, I preached, and administered the Sacrament of the Supper, with Proby. Thirty-eight attended the Lord’s Supper, of the English congregation; and I found Mr. Eteson had above twenty communicants, at the Hindoostanee Chapel. P. is, at times, all gloom, as if this were a day of vengeance for Benares; and the people were filling up their measure of wrath. I maintain, that he would be of an opposite opinion, could he have seen the place twenty-three years ago. I am much importuned to go to Goruckpore; and propose leaving this to-morrow night, by _dawk_, for that quarter. I go only five stages by bearers; and then expect to find a buggy the rest of the way. You will conclude, that at times, I feel anxious about who may be the next Bishop; and you will, I know, give me the earliest intelligence you can. The two young men last arrived promise well; and at times, I am ready to think that means for forwarding the kingdom of Christ are rising up around, which may render my services of little consequence, and then, I should think, I had better withdraw. But who shall reckon on to-morrow? May we labour for the things which are eternal; and whether in India or England, we shall have the presence of the Saviour to support and comfort us!

“Goruckpore, Dec. 29, 1828. On Sunday I preached twice for Mr. E. In the morning, the singers sang a psalm-tune I do not recollect to have heard since I left Colsterworth. It reminded me strongly of early days.... The band-master was clerk: and is a man of real piety, and more than common propriety of manners. The singing is well conducted there. A new church is building, on a plan supplied by Bishop Heber; but the drain of money, caused by the Burmese war, has caused all matters which require money, to go on very slowly, ever since. At nine o’clock in the evening, I left Mr. E. and came on in a palanquin towards this place. Through the kindness of Mr. Bird and Mr. Wilkinson, I had five relays of horses, and a buggy waiting on the road: so by seven in the morning I mounted the gig. On the bank of the Ganges, I found Mr. Bird in a tent, waiting for me, with breakfast ready. We made a comfortable meal, and he afterwards drove me through a country, finely cultivated, to Goruckpore; where we arrived just after sun-set. This district has been reclaimed from the forest nearly, since the English gained possession; and a quantity of the forest-trees remain, in scattered clumps, which give a rich appearance to the country. It is in sight, too, of the perpetual snows; and is seldom scorched as the plain of the Ganges is. R. B. has a house of the best style of the Moffusil,[143] surrounded with quite a park.

“Tuesday, 30th. After breakfast, I set out to explore the mission-premises here; and was much gratified indeed with the general appearance. First, came the Christian houses, situated close to the town; with a field of about three acres in cultivation before them, towards the high road. On the north side of this field stands the seminary, as it is called. A pucka[144] building, with two lower rooms at the north end; and over them one sleeping room. The whole verandahed all round, with tasty pillars, in front of the dwelling part. This forms a most comfortable abode for a single man. In this will dwell a country lad, named Raphael, whom I brought up from Calcutta. He seems to have received religious benefit from Crauford’s Friday evening catechizing, at the old Church room; and is mentioned in the last Report of the Church Missionary Committee, as a missionary student. He came over here with Wilkinson, from Benares; and you will be glad to hear that both W. and R. B. are favourably impressed with what they have as yet seen of him. Next to the seminary, eastward, across the road, is the Church, at present levelled with the ground. The last year here was unusually rainy. The earth became so saturated with rain, that all the wells were running over; and the sandy soil becoming thus impregnated with moisture, the foundations of the Church gave way. R. B. with his usual decision, pulled it all down; and is now employed in rebuilding it on piles, and on a broader foundation; intending, also, a less ponderous roof. Behind the Church, eastward, is the parsonage; a very pretty and commodious building. It consists of a lower room to the west, and one of similar dimensions to the east; with two rooms on each side; a verandah all round, and corner rooms to each side: a complete Indian dwelling, outhouses in abundance; and a fine garden, kept up by the prisoners sentenced to hard labour. The whole extent of ground is about twelve acres; which is made over to the Mission, including the site of the Church. I must not forget to mention a nice building, nearly finished, intended for christian girls: and called, in joke, ‘the nursery.’ Sarah Bowley was to have come here, to take charge of it, but this plan is suspended, owing to the departure of Dr. and Mrs. Clarke. Perhaps Bowley and his daughter will come here, for the hot season; and then the plan will proceed. All these temporal advantages, the Mission owes to Mr. B; and it is a matter of thankfulness that he has notice of being appointed Commissioner here, on the new system; and will now, (if spared) in all probability, continue here several years.

“You will now have some idea of the external state of this place; but cannot adequately conceive of the beauty of the situation of this part of India. But now for the better part. On my going into the Mission-house, all the Christians collected, old and young; and the room was filled. I could not speak to them all at once, and so proposed a hymn. We sang the thirty-fourth of Bowley’s Hindoostanee translation, and then some from Betteah were introduced, the children of persons who had received copies of the Gospels from me at Chunar, and which are kept now as relics. Raphael, one of my school-boys, is major-domo of the christian settlement; and shewed it to me with great glee. The aged Zemindar, and several converts from Islam, conversed for some time; and two or three Hindoo devotees sat ‘clothed’ beside us, ‘and in their right mind.’ On coming away, I saw one of these talking with great earnestness to a fat Fakeer, covered with ashes; he seemed to be repeating Scripture to him, but I did not stay to hear, lest I should put an end to the discourse.

“Wednesday, 31st. This morning at eight o’clock, I assembled with the Christians at morning prayer in the school-room. Forty-three were present; of whom about ten or twelve were boys, of ten or twelve years of age or under; the remainder adults, male and female. The morning Psalms were read, in alternate verses, in Hindoostanee. The third of St. Matthew was then read, and the latter part commented on by Mr. W.; a hymn was first sung, I should have said, and all concluded with prayer, by Mr. W. Thus the word of God grows and increases. About two, p. m. I went again to the Mission-house, and read the second Homily, and part of the third, with the Zemindar, and an intelligent young convert from Islam and a few others. They entered into the subject earnestly, and much conversation arose out of different parts of the reading.

“January 1st. 1829. I, this morning, went on the top of the house before sun-rise, and had a sight of a peak of the snowy mountains. It brought strongly to my mind Masoree Tabea, and the happy days we passed there in 1825: my heart yearned after our sweet children, and I tried to pray for them, that this may prove a happy year to them, and that through all eternity we may rejoice together. We had a New-year’s day service, with the native Christians; it was to me, and I believe to several of them, an interesting service; I spoke to them on life as a journey. I am almost constantly with you in spirit; and associate you in all my poor prayers, for mercy, and blessing. To-day news have arrived here of various movements, seemingly propitious. May divine grace accompany them to those concerned; and they cannot fail to prove so!

“17th. I have told you of all the people I met with, up to Monghyr. On the 14th, I got to Boglipore, and walked to the cantonments of His Majesty’s 3rd Regiment, now stationed there. They are on the Calcutta side of the old station, and the distance is considerable. I was rather heated, and could only leave word with a serjeant, that I would come up next morning to the school-house. After a while, the school-master came to my boat, a pious young man who received the knowledge of the truth under a Chaplain in New South Wales. He has been the means of drawing eight others to join in a religious society, and seems an estimable character. Next morning, at nine o’clock, I went up and found the commanding officer, Colonel C., at the mess-room; and five children with parents and sponsors assembled. The Colonel went with me to the school, where I catechised the Protestant children, and gave each a little book. He then went with me to the hospital, where I read prayers; and exhorted the convalescent, about twenty or thirty in number. The Colonel then took me, in his gig, to his bungalow, and introduced me to his wife, and a grown-up daughter. There was a little son also, who seemed greatly pleased with a book I gave him. I was much pressed to stay and dine with the mess, but I had accomplished what seemed in my power, and declined the civility. I gave a good many of the tracts and religious books I mentioned, as having been brought out for me by Mr. Eteson, to the schoolmaster for distribution.

“Jan. 22nd. I am near Cutwa. It had been my intention to go over to Maldah, from below Chandree; but unexpectedly this river is still open; and the Manjee[145] said, it would make five days difference, as to the length of the journey; beside the delay of going over to Maldah: and I have been long enough absent from Calcutta, at this time. I hear, also, that the Governor General is about Maldah, shooting; so that I should have had little comfort in the visit. At Berhampore, I called on the D’s, Mr. Hill, and the new Chaplain, Mr. Wintle; but remained only about three hours: there seemed nothing to detain me. I am expecting to see the V’s., this evening, or early to-morrow, at Krishnagur, to call at Culna, and perhaps meet Mr. Deerr, and inspect the schools.... My recreation is drawing to a close, for the present, for Calcutta has never been a residence of my choice. On the whole, my journey has yielded all the pleasure I expected. I have kept free from colds, and have reaped all the benefit of the change and variety.... I have met with kindness everywhere; and seen much of a religious nature, to encourage. From long acquaintance with the natives, I have also derived amusement, beyond any other time, from observing their innocent sports. But alas! their language, even when in sport, is sadly corrupt. However, I see more and more, how little those who do not mix familiarly with them can know them. Their whole conduct may be construed either seriously, or as in joke, if necessity oblige them to conceal their real meaning. Christian knowledge is doubtless gaining ground, wherever Missionaries dwell. At Monghyr, Mr. M. told me that many natives now come to hear the word regularly. Mr. Hill, at Berhampore, told me the same. The interruption they used to meet with seldom occurs; and many listen attentively to the end of a discourse, instead of going out and in, as formerly. Still, it is but ‘the day of small things;’ and, respecting the general population, but a very few come under the ‘joyful sound.’--I heard, at Monghyr, of a wealthy farmer, as you would say in England, near Sheergotty, who received a Hindoostanee New Testament, from Mr. Bowley, in one of his journies back from Calcutta. The man read it to his neighbours also; and other Missionaries, who have since met with him, were delighted with the love he shewed for the truth. This man has lately been murdered; it is thought, on account of valuable ornaments he wore; but the particulars are not known. These incidental occurrences shew the value of itinerant labourers.”

[133] A board suspended from the ceiling, and having ropes attached by which to swing it to and fro, for the purpose of cooling the room.

[134] Landing-place.

[135] A small kind of boat.

[136] It may here be mentioned that the Creed of St. Athanasius, as translated in this Prayer-book, so attracted the attention of the learned Mahomedans, and the demand to possess it became consequently so great, that Archdeacon Corrie was induced to have several hundred copies of it struck off for separate circulation. One of those persons, on applying for a copy of the Creed, observed, “Now we know what you Christians believe.” The Archdeacon on relating this circumstance stated, also, that nothing could exceed the bitter enmity against the doctrine of Christ, which the exposition of divine truth contained in that Creed, seemed to stir up in the Mahomedan heart.

[137] Many particulars connected with this Journey, and not contained in the following pages, may be seen in the Missionary Register for 1829.

[138] Chief Minister or agent.

[139] A large division or district of land.

[140] A kind of police-officer.

[141] It does not appear that the Sermon was ever printed.

[142] Rosary or string of beads.

[143] Out-stations.

[144] Brick.

[145] Steersman.