CHAPTER III.

AT ALDEEN--APPOINTED TO CHUNAR.

On Mr. Corrie’s arrival in Bengal both he and Mr. Parson took up their abode with Mr. Brown at Aldeen, a short distance from Calcutta, and remained under the same hospitable roof until they proceeded to the stations that had been assigned to them respectively by the government. Henry Martyn was their fellow-guest for a time, and with that honoured servant of God Mr. Corrie’s intimacy was close and brotherly. Mr. C. was also in the habit of preaching regularly during his residence with Mr. Brown, and of maintaining constant intercourse with the whole body of Christian Missionaries in Calcutta and Serampore. In his Journal, too, occur many intimations of the anxious affection with which he regarded such of the Cadets as remained within reach of his visits, or were willing to correspond with him. A peculiar regard for the welfare of young persons was, in fact, a distinguishing feature of Mr. Corrie’s character.

Early in December 1806, Mr. Corrie and Mr. Parson left Aldeen, the one having been appointed at Chunar, the other at Berhampore. As respects Mr. C. it will be seen, that during the whole of his journey to the place of his destination, the subject of the conversion of the heathen occupied a large portion of his thoughts.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF CALCUTTA.

“Calcutta strikes me as the most magnificent city in the world; and I am made most happy by the hope of being instrumental to the eternal good of many. A great opposition, I find, is raised against Martyn, and the principles he preaches; this gives me no uneasiness--by the help of God, I will stand fast in the doctrine of Christ crucified, and maintain it against all opposition. But, Lord, grant me the wisdom that is from above, that I may act with discretion, and in nothing give unnecessary offence!

“At three o’clock,[14] Martyn preached from Rom. iii. 21-23, the most impressive and best composition I ever heard. The disposition of love and good will which appeared in him must have had great effect; and the calmness and firmness with which he spoke raised in me great wonder. May God grant a blessing to the word. O may it silence opposition, and promote religion for Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen.

“Tuesday, Sept. 30th. I have neglected for some time to make a memorandum of occurrences; but remember, that in general, my mind has been without any lively sense of divine things; though my heart has been going out much after God. The joy expressed by the few serious people here is very great; and were not those comforts withheld which I have been some time favoured with, their kindness would have a tendency to make me proud: for, Oh! I feel an evil heart cleaving to the world, though not under its former shape. I am not without a secret uneasiness, that I have not talents to render me equally acceptable with others. This is not to be content with God’s appointments; though, I think, I would not have others brought to my standard, but would rise to their’s, that God may be more glorified. I have received great kindness from Mr. Brown, and much benefit from his conversation. Blessed be God, I feel no disposition to shrink from the shame of the cross, but hope, with boldness, to declare myself a fellow-labourer with Martyn, in the controversy excited by his preaching.

“I preached on Sunday [Sept. 28,] evening, at the Mission Church, from 2 Thess. i. 7-10: my mind was somewhat impressed with the importance of my office, both before and during the service. I trust the furtherance of God’s glory, and the good of souls, was, and is, my prevailing desire. Went up to Serampore yesterday, and in the evening was present at the marriage of Mr. Desgranges.[15] Mr. Brown entered into their concerns with much interest. The pagoda[16] was fixed on, and lighted up for the celebration of the wedding; at eight o’clock the parties came from the Mission house, [at Serampore] attended by most of the family. Mr. Brown commenced with the hymn, ‘Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly dove!’ A divine influence seemed to attend us, and most delightful were my sensations. The circumstance of so many being engaged in spreading the glad tidings of salvation,--the temple of an idol converted to the purpose of Christian worship, and the Divine presence felt among us,--filled me with joy unspeakable. After the marriage service of the Church of England, Mr. Brown gave out ‘the Wedding hymn;’ and after signing certificates of the marriage, we adjourned to the house, where Mr. Brown had provided supper. Two hymns given out by Mr. Marshman[17] were felt very powerfully. He is a most lively, sanguine missionary; his conversation made my heart burn within me, and I find desires of spreading the Gospel growing stronger daily, and my zeal in the cause more ardent. But O ‘my leanness’ in comparison of these ‘burning and shining lights’ around me. Yet, in the strength of Jehovah will I go forward, and will tread in their steps, and pursue them at a distance, though I may not hope to come near their attainments.

“Oct. 10th. I have for some time past been oppressed with a sense of the want of spiritual affections: my heart as cold as ice, no mouth to speak of, or for God: deadness in prayer, and languor in every spiritual duty. I perceive my great insufficiency for the work of the ministry; and lament exceedingly my small opportunities of education,[18] and my sinful negligence in not better improving those I had. ‘God be merciful to me a sinner,’ and perfect praise to Himself out of my weak and unskilful mouth! Last night I went to the Mission-house, [at Serampore] and supped at the same table with about fifty native converts. The triumph of the cross was most evident in breaking down their prejudices, and uniting them with those who formerly were an abomination in their eyes. After supper, they sang a Bengalee hymn, many of them with tears of joy; and they concluded with prayer in Bengalee, with evident earnestness and emotion. My own feelings were too big for utterance. O may the time be hastened when every tongue shall confess Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father!

“On Friday evening, [Oct. 10th.] we had a meeting in the pagoda, at which almost all the missionaries, some of their wives, and Captain W. attended: with a view to commend Martyn to the favour and protection of God in his work. The Divine presence was with us. I felt more than it would have been proper to express. Mr. Brown commenced with a hymn and prayer, Mr. Desgranges succeeded him, with much devotion and sweetness of expression: Mr. Marshman followed, and dwelt particularly on the promising appearance of things; and, with much humility, pleaded God’s promises for the enlargement of Zion; with many petitions for Mr. Brown and his family. The service was concluded by Mr. Carey,[19] who was earnest in prayer for Mr. Brown: the petition that ‘having laboured for many years without encouragement or support, in the evening it might be light,’ seemed much to affect his own mind, and greatly impressed us all. Afterwards we supped together at Mr. Brown’s. The influence of this association remained on my mind, and shed a divine peace and composure through my soul.

“Sunday 12th. This day I preached at the New Church from Gal. vi. 14. The Governor General, &c., attended. I felt a good deal of palpitation before I ascended the pulpit, but afterwards experienced great composure of mind; and had no idea that any one would be offended, being conscious that I was speaking the truth. I found much earnestness in prayer before, and after, divine service. God grant an increase to His own word for Jesus Christ’s sake!

“Oct. 13th. I came to Serampore to dinner. Had a pleasant sail up the river: the time passed agreeably in conversation. In the evening a fire was kindled on the opposite bank; and we soon perceived that it was a funeral pile, on which the wife was burning with the dead body of her husband. It was too dark to distinguish the miserable victim of superstition; but by the light of the flames we could discover a great crowd of people: their horrid noise, and senseless music, joined with the testimony of some of the servants, convinced us that our apprehensions were founded on fact. The noise continued till ten o’clock, and the fire was kept burning till that time. My mind was struck with horror and pity. On going out to walk with Martyn to the pagoda, the noise so unnatural, and so little calculated to excite joy, raised in my mind an awful sense of the presence and influence of evil spirits. O that the Lord would command his word to run and be glorified, in casting them out, and placing in their stead the mild influence of his Gospel!

“Oct. 18th, 1806. On Wednesday last, Mr. Brown, Parson and myself proceeded up the river with Martyn, to set him on his way to Dinapore. We landed at Ghyretee, and walked through a most delightful avenue; afterwards through a neat village (for this country), and arrived at Chandernagore about seven o’clock: we took tea at a tavern, and went on board our budgerow, about nine o’clock. After joining in prayer, we retired to rest. On Thursday morning, we proceeded to Chinsurah, on foot, through groves of fruit trees; we arrived at Chinsurah soon after seven o’clock, and received a most hospitable reception from Mr. Forsyth:[20] after dinner, we went with Mr. F. above Bandell; and after worship, returned to Chinsurah in & _paunchway_.[21] Yesterday morning, the weather having commenced rainy, we determined to return to Aldeen, on account of Mr. Brown’s boat becoming uninhabitable. We first engaged, according to arrangement, in alternate prayer. Mr. Brown commenced with reading a portion of Scripture, singing a hymn, and prayer, which order was observed by P., myself, and Martyn. A sense of the Divine presence was experienced by each of us, and our consolation in Christ Jesus abounded; so that we left our friend without regret, and he parted with us cheerfully; each persuaded that God was with us, and would be our ‘shield and exceeding great reward.’

“Oct. 22nd. On coming down the river, I saw the figures of Doorga[22] paraded on the river, and the indecencies of idol-worship. My mind was inexpressibly grieved; and most earnestly did I desire to be able to address the poor deluded heathen.

“Nov. 3rd. For some time past I have made no memoranda of the state of my mind. Alas, my wretched backwardness to any really good thing! In general my heart has been hard and insensible, though my desire has been to the contrary; and I have had but little inclination to pray, though no disposition to give up prayer; and sometimes have experienced enlargement of heart, and melting of soul in prayer. I have preached several times at the Old Church, and once at the New. My purposes of labouring among the heathen are, I bless God, more fixed; and a desire to be at my station, and about my proper work, grows upon me.

“When I hear of a spirit of covetousness which has affected many, I fear and tremble; and I think something of that disposition was working within me this morning. Oh! how often have I said that I desire not to leave one shilling behind me at death. I would record my own declaration, beseeching thee, O Lord, that I may be enabled to trust thee for future supplies, and to live by faith upon thee for daily bread!

“24th, For some days past my mind has enjoyed quiet and peace with God; my indisposition has been in a great measure removed, and I can speak and act as usual. ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow.’ My mind has been calm and resigned to the will of God, in the prospect of my destination, and in my preparation to set out for Chunar; but little, alas! of lively affection, with much wandering of heart in prayer. The youths who came out with me have been much on my mind. My dear relatives have not had so particular an interest in my prayers as at some other times; but their welfare is exceedingly dear to me, and the prospect of having my sister with me very cheering.

“Nov. 29th. This morning Mr. Brown, Parson, Mr. Thompson[23] (of Madras), and myself, met in the pagoda at Aldeen, to consult in what way we may most effectually promote the glory of our redeeming God in the earth. After prayer by Mr. Brown, and after some conversation, we agreed, 1st. To join in the views, and aid to the utmost of our power, the purposes of the British and Foreign Bible Society: 2ndly. To help forward the translation of the Scriptures into the languages of the East, as much as in us lies; and to take the expense of the Sanscrit and Greek Testaments upon ourselves: and 3rdly. To make a quarterly report of our prospects, our plans, and actual situation in our various stations, as far as the Church is concerned, to Mr. Brown; who will add his own, and cause a copy of the whole to be transmitted to each individual. After prayer we separated.

“Dec. 8. To-day set off for Chunar. In the strength of the Lord God I go forth. O, prepare a people for Thyself, and make me the instrument of gathering them into thy fold! Keep me by thy mighty power in body and soul; and enlarge my heart that I may delight in Thy will, and lay out all my time and labour in Thy service! Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen!

“Dec. 13th. On Monday last Parson and myself left Aldeen, to proceed to our stations; Mr. Brown and Mr. Thompson accompanying us. We arrived at Chinsurah about three o’clock, after a quick sail up the river, the tide being in our favour: we called on Mr. Forsyth, with whom we spent the evening. Mr. F. conducted family worship, and was excellent in the application, and very fervent for the fulfilment of many precious promises. The presence of God was with us. Mr. F. gave me favourable intelligence respecting General M. at Chunar, to which place Mr. L. had sent tracts, which had been noticed with approbation by the General. I hope the Lord has prepared my way. Yesterday morning, after breakfast and family worship, we set forward, Mr. Forsyth accompanying us. In the evening we walked on the bank, whilst the boatmen hauled our boat along. The encouragement and comfort his conversation raised in my mind will, I hope, never be forgotten: much lively and spiritual conversation passed, chiefly on the means most suitable for us to employ under present circumstances. We concluded by commissioning Messrs. Brown and T. to buy Bibles, Testaments, and Common Prayer-books, to be sent to us from time to time for distribution. Our friends left us to return to Calcutta. A sweet composure fills my heart: and, without regret, I leave all that earth and sense hold dear, to do thy will, O my God! Let me find strength according to my day; and call Thou me to any thing in which I may most glorify Thee. Leave me not for a moment; for though now, ‘by thy goodness, thou hast made my mountain strong,’ yet if thou hide thy face I shall be ‘troubled!’

“Dec. 14th. Yesterday morning we left Sook Saugur: in the afternoon our attention was arrested by loud lamentations: we observed a dying man put into the river to expire; this, in the opinion of the Hindoos, insuring Paradise. We were much shocked at the spectacle. Lord, how long, how long shall Satan triumph? Four out of six are killed in this way, and hurried out of life.”

On the 16th of December, Mr. Corrie writes to his father:--

“I am now on my way to my station at Chunar, five days’ journey from Calcutta, and three from Berhampore. To this last place Parson is appointed, and we are together in the same boat; after which I have eight weeks’ journey alone. I have, however, several introductions to christian friends on the way, and Martyn’s station is before me, where I intend to stay a few days with him. My mind is at perfect ease, and my soul happy in the love of God, and overflowing with gratitude to the Giver of all good. Much and unexpected kindness has been shewn me in this strange land; and I have found that whosoever forsaketh aught for Christ shall reap an hundred-fold ‘in the present life:’ how, then, can I doubt the fulfilment of that part of the promise which relates to the life to come? In the house of Mr. Brown, every attention that affection could think of has been shewn me.... The country through which we have come, is, in general, very pleasant, though flat. We walk on the bank morning and evening; and amuse ourselves with finding out resemblances, or fancied resemblances to scenes we remember in Britain. We have every comfort we can wish for; and our morning and evening worship, consisting of singing, prayer, and reading the Scriptures, tends to revive our souls; whilst we walk as friends, and take sweet counsel together on the ends and means we purpose in our ministry. I have written so often that I forget what I may have said to you; but you who know how much I am the creature of impulse in every thing--except my expressions of affection for you all, and in matters of fact,--will not judge of the state of my mind from one single letter. I allude especially to what I have written respecting the conversion of the heathen. _You_ know, what _I_ now know, how sanguine I am in schemes that my soul enters into; and oft have I made calculations and statements which have afterwards made me blush.--The state of society among our own countrymen here is much altered for the better within these few years. The Marquis Wellesley openly patronized religion; whether from motives of state policy or not, it is not ours to judge. He on every possible opportunity, made moral character a _sine quâ non_ to his patronage, and sought for men of character from every quarter to fill offices of trust. He avowedly encouraged, and contributed to, the translation of the Scriptures into the native languages; and wherever he went, paid a strict regard to divine worship on the Sunday. Before his time, all causes were tried in the courts of justice, through the medium of interpreters; but by the College which he instituted, he furnished the natives with judges capable of determining from their own knowledge of the language, and judgment on the evidence; and has thus laid the foundation of peace and justice, such as Asia before knew not. _He has been the saviour of India to Britain._ The state of the natives in a moral point of view is deplorable; the most shocking indecencies form a part of their worship; and lying, cheating, &c., are not considered crimes. Two youths who were seriously impressed during the voyage, and one who was our fellow-passenger, and has since been brought to consideration, are going on consistently in the ways of wisdom. These first-fruits of our Indian engagement afford me the most lively encouragement, and the strongest hope that God is with me of a truth. O may He be a spirit of power in my own heart, and a word of power in my mouth, that many may be turned unto righteousness: then I am sure that you will bless the day that took me from you, and we shall rejoice together in the loving-kindness of our God!”

But to return to the Journal:

“December 18th. This evening we are at Plassy. Walking on the bank of the river, we passed an old man brought down to die by the river-side: he exhibited signs of considerable vitality; and certainly no symptoms of immediate dissolution. My spirit was stirred within me; and a Brahmin coming past, I began to talk to him on the wickedness of killing men in this way. He said his shasters[24] commanded it, and that the doctor had pronounced the man dying. I told him that God did no injury to man; that He was good; and, therefore, the shasters were not God’s word; and that God was displeased at such proceedings; he understood me, and pleaded their customs. I answered, that the custom, the shasters, and the people, were all bad; and that when he died he would go down and lie in fire for ever. He evidently understood me and seemed confounded. I then told him that at Cutwa, a Sahib lived, who would give him the true word of God, and recommended him to go there. It appeared, however, that he came from Moorshedebad, and showed no disposition to return to Cutwa. Passing on, we found a party going to Juggernauth. I asked one of them, Why he went there? What use it would be to him, and what good it would do to him? He seemed confounded, and made no reply. I told him also of the anger of God, and of the fire after death. A Birajee[25] came running after us to beg; he was an old man. On being told by him what he was, I said to him, that he was a lazy man that would do no work, but only eat, and that God was angry with him, and that when he died he would go down to fire for ever. He was surprised at this reception, and could only plead his age. I recommended him to Cutwa. This is my first effort at missionary work: but O, how I blush, and abhor myself, for the imperfect manner I speak for God. I know enough of the language to have conveyed different ideas, and more of them, but I am nothing, and know nothing. Lord, grant me wisdom and utterance; and, O, smile on my feeble attempts for the furtherance of thine own glory, through Christ Jesus!

“Dec. 21st. We are now by the kind providence of God at Berhampore. On Friday Mr. Grant and Mr. Ellerton stopped our boat, about one o’clock, and we stayed at that place all night. We met, also, with Messrs. B. and their friends; one a youth from England, by the Nelson. They also stayed with us; and in the evening, we were joined by two officers, going down to Calcutta. We made a party of eight, and sat up till twelve, talking to little profit, chiefly about the siege of Bhurtpore. Yesterday morning we separated, and were accompanied the whole of the day by the Messrs. B., who joined with us in morning and evening worship.

“Dec. 23rd, 1806. (Bogwongola). Yesterday morning we waited on General P. and afterwards visited the place appointed for public worship, a large upper room. In the afternoon, we visited the hospital. I drew near the bed of a man apparently in the last stage of disease, who received the word with tears, and requested me to pray with him. Having made this known, P. invited the others to draw near: a large party collected from all parts of the hospital. I expounded the third chapter of St. John’s Gospel, and prayed. Much attention in the poor men.

“I left Berhampore this morning at seven o’clock; and, after passing through a well-cultivated and fertile country, arrived here at twelve. I am now on the great river, proceeding to Mr. Creighton[26] at Gomalty. I am much pained at heart on account of separation from dear Parson, and disheartened at the prospect of being so long on the way to Chunar; and tired with the importunity of the natives. Never, never have I felt so keenly the separation from dear relatives; but I have no wish to draw back, but would pray and hope that “God will be the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever,” in and through Jesus Christ.

“Dec. 26th. Last night I arrived at Gomalty, and found a very kind reception from Mr. Creighton. In the course of conversation, I have learned that he, with Messrs. Ellerton and Grant, have instituted about twelve schools in the villages, in this neighbourhood, in which many children of the poor natives are taught to read and write; and christian tracts, and the New Testament in Bengalee are read to them, and by them. One Brahmin objected to the reading the Holy Scirptures; but, some parts of them being read to him, his objections were removed, and he considered that they were very good. In one of the schools the master is a Brahmin, who teaches these tracts, &c.; though he says, that if the sentiments contained in them prevail, the Brahmin’s power will soon be at an end. The salary allowed the teachers is five rupees[27] per month; for which they teach as many children as choose to come. In one school about seventy or eighty children attended at first; and about forty still continue to come. In this school thirty have been taught, and are gone off to different employments. Many of the boys have made considerable proficiency in reading and writing; and through them, the knowledge of the Scriptures is diffused to a considerable extent; the consequence is, that much less dissension is found in the neighbourhood; so that when the native missionaries come amongst them, the people are much more ready to hear them than in other districts. They hear, also, with much attention, and in general approve of Christian truth.

“Dec. 27th. To-day Mr. Creighton sent for the schoolmaster of the place with his little charge, about fourteen: some others were in the habit of attending, but were at this time absent. The method of teaching is by writing the character in the sand, and then pronouncing the letter; thus they learn both to read and write at the same time: some of the children have made considerable advancement. The manners of the children are much the same as those of children at home; and much gratification did their contented faces and their little tricks afford me.

“Dec. 29th. Yesterday morning Messrs. W. the two B’s and A. came over to attend Divine worship. At ten o’clock we went and heard the Bengalee missionaries preach to their countrymen: the three appear to be humble and sincere Christians. Those who understood them say, that the preaching was very energetic and eloquent.

“Gomalty, Jan. 1st. 1807. I would begin the new year by reviewing the old. The mercies of the past year are many and great; and, for these mercies, I am bound to be exceedingly thankful. During the voyage, my attempts were not without some good effects on the minds of V. and Y. especially: the Lord made my presence a restraint on some who would otherwise have been more profane, and gave me favour in the sight of many: kind friends have been raised up for me in India, wherever I have come, and all my wants have been abundantly supplied. These mercies call for the loudest praise to Him who rules on high; but especially do spiritual mercies call for gratitude: that I have been kept from gross sins before men; that I have not been permitted wholly to restrain prayer before God, or to cast off His fear; that I have been enabled in public preaching to declare what I believe to be the whole counsel of God; and that some tokens of Divine approbation have been granted to His word. I feel a growing boldness to speak for God in private, and something more of a power to cast off the fear of man. These are subjects which may well furnish matter for everlasting songs. I would record what I feel still wrong, that I may be disposed to live more simply on Christ for strength as well as righteousness. I find a disposition to seek the applause of men, which sometimes leads me into words and actions which grieve the Holy Spirit, and wound my own soul. There is a sinful nature; a disposition to rest in the form of godliness; and a spirit of indolence which causes me to waste hours and days to no profit. These things grieve and bow down my soul. I would, also, record my purposes, that I may be bound to perform them. I intend to keep aloof from visiting parties at Chunar, as much as I can; to establish worship as often as possible; and to teach and preach Jesus Christ, ‘publicly and from house to house,’ both to professed Christians, and to the heathen. But, when I reflect how most of my resolutions have hitherto come to nothing, O Lord, let thy power rest upon me! I would record my most earnest desires, to mark the Lord’s dealings with me, and His answers to prayer. My first desire is, that a ‘door may be opened’ at Chunar, and that I may have power to enter in thereat, that so ‘the word of God may have free course and be glorified’ in the conversion of souls. Secondly, that my dear family may be the special objects of the favour of Jehovah; and that my dear sister may come out to me, _if it be the will of God, otherwise not_. Thirdly, that V., Y., and B., may be kept from the power of the devil, the world, and the flesh; and that they may be redeemed and preserved from all iniquity, and have liberty to serve God without fear. Fourthly, that the choicest mercies both of Providence and Grace, may descend on all whose hearts have been disposed to favour me; and that the Government of India may be disposed to _permit_, at least, attempts for the conversion of the natives; and that the kingdom of Christ may come. And, O Lord, I would devote my life, my strength, my every faculty, and every gift of grace, nature, or providence, wholly to thy service and glory! I offer myself to Thee. O pardon, accept, and bless me, through Jesus Christ; and bring these purposes to good effect, for thy name’s sake!

“Jan. 6th. Left Mr. Creighton at Gomalty yesterday morning. In travelling, found my mind somewhat stayed on God. I welcomed the budgerow, and the dreary river, as old though inconvenient friends, who would put me in the way of active usefulness. I was much pleased with the school in Mr. C.’s bungalow; and, from the pleasure the Brahmin showed, in making the scholars read the Bengalee New Testament, I have a hopeful presentiment that the kingdom of Satan, thus divided against itself, cannot stand long.

“Jan. 16th. This morning, I visited the wells near Monghyr.[28] One of the wells is cold; but close to it, another bubbles up water, like the bubbles that rise from the bottom of a caldron as the water grows hot. I found this water so hot, that I was scarcely able to bear my hand in it. Here, they say, Ram’s wife bathed, after she had been stolen away, and recovered again by her husband. Many Brahmins and Faqueers were staying there; and were very importunate for money. With a _buckshish_[29] I offered tracts, and was immediately told that a Sahib, a short time since, had left many. A very interesting boy, about fifteen years of age, read in one of the tracts, and told me that it meant, There is only one God, and that all their poojahs, &c., are vain. I spoke to him, and an old man, with several around; the boy seemed to understand perfectly what I meant; and said, that when he understood the matter thoroughly, he should leave off poojah; and, as I spake of hell as the portion of wicked men, several behind showed symptoms of scorn. The old man discovered much impatience, but, for the _buckshish_, stayed till I had said all that I thought necessary. The boy’s father manifested uneasiness, and evidently wished his son away; but for the same reason permitted him to stay. The father said, that Adam was first created, and that all men are his children: that the world was drowned, and then Noah became the parent of us all. I replied that it was true; and that Adam and Noah worshipped God, and paid no regard to poojahs and the river. Why, then, did they pay that regard to the creature, which was due only to God? He answered, that when God should give all the world to be of the same opinion, it would be so. To which I replied, That it was true; and that in England we worshipped God as Adam and Noah did; and that now the word was sent to him.

“Jan. 26th. On Friday, I left the budgerow, and came through a most fertile country to Dinapore. I observed some of the customs of the natives which explained passages of Scripture. In the evening, the conversation of dear Martyn seemed to drive away all pain; but weakness soon made me wish for rest. Yesterday, I preached here to an attentive people, from Matt. vii. 21-23. Some of the officers scoffed. Oh! what cause for thankfulness in the sweet communion I am favoured with in Martyn, and in the kindness I meet with on all hands! O for a heart to praise the Lord for his goodness! O for power to do His will, to love His work; and for a spirit of compassion for perishing souls!

“Jan. 29th. Just leaving Dinapore to proceed to Chunar, in tolerable health and spirits. I have found but little of spiritual comfort; though much pleasure in communion with dear Martyn. My purposes of labouring amongst the heathen are much revived, encouraged and strengthened, by the conversation of this dear friend: we agreed to exchange letters every other Monday. I found the vanity of worldly pursuits in the society I went into; and perceive afresh that God is alone the fit and satisfying portion of the soul. O may I live under this impression, and may my life and conduct testify that it is a divine impression!

“Feb. 15th. On approaching Chunar, the appearance of the fort struck me as beautiful; but, from the reports of its unhealthiness, I was ready to consider it as my grave, and approached it with a heavy heart. I have found some earnestness and liberty in praying for a blessing on my entrance in amongst them. I trust the Lord will be entreated.”

[14] On Sunday, Sept. 21.

[15] One of the London Society’s Missionaries.

[16] The Hindoo temple of the idol Bullub, which the Brahmins had deserted. Mr. Brown had repaired, and fitted it up as a family chapel and study. The pagoda was, also, sometimes appropriated to the accommodation of Mr. Brown’s particular friends.--MEMORIAL SKETCHES OF REV. D. BROWN, p. 137.

[17] Baptist Missionary.

[18] During the four years that Mr. Corrie resided in the neighbourhood of London, little or no attention was paid to his education.

[19] Baptist Missionary.

[20] One of the London Society’s Missionaries.

[21] A small covered boat.

[22] One of the principal Hindoo female deities.

[23] The Rev. Marmaduke Thompson, late Chaplain at Madras.

[24] Holy books.

[25] A kind of religious mendicant.

[26] Superintendent of Indigo works.

[27] About ten shillings sterling.

[28] The celebrated hot-well named “Seetacoom,”--the fountain of Seeta.--BISHOP HEBER’S JOURNAL.

[29] Present.