CHAPTER VII.

REMOVES FROM CHUNAR--ARRIVES AT CAWNPORE--ILLNESS OF MR. MARTYN.

At the end of the year 1809, Mr. Corrie having been directed to remove from Chunar to Agra, made preparations for proceeding to the latter station. In the meantime, however, he suffered so much from the illness mentioned in the preceding letter to Mr. Buckworth, that for three months he omitted to keep any record of his proceedings. On the 3rd of Feb. 1810, he observes:--

“February 3rd. 1810. I have had much searching of heart in review of my purposes and projects at different seasons of my life, often purposing diligence in acquiring languages; at other times my chief desire and labour being wholly in the immediate duties of the ministry; and, to be altogether separated from mere visiting society. I perceive myself to have succeeded in no one scheme; and am to this day unprofitable and without ability to any good. Long, long have I known this in theory, but evidently did not think it of myself. May this sad experience lead me to true humility and deep contrition; may it lead me to prayer, and to diligence in the means of grace! The sickness upon me is more violent than last year, but seems yielding to medicine; for which I would bless the Lord, and devote myself to His cause. These two Sabbaths I have been laid aside from public work, and fear I am not sufficiently humbled. O, how I ought to thirst after the courts of the Lord! I think I should greatly regret being kept from the ministry another Sabbath, but am ready to give up all hope of success from my own labours. I know this is from a forgetfulness of the Scripture, and of the power of God. Lord, awaken a spirit of faith and prayer! The old man goes on instructing the native women, successfully, in a few cases, I hope.

“The Roman Catholic padre, with a fair carriage towards me tries all he can in private to counteract this old man. O, that I were as in days and months past: and, O, that the Lord would make His word to prosper among us: and, O, that He may direct and prosper my way to Agra, and make me there a blessing for Jesus’ sake!”

The chief circumstances of interest connected with the remaining portion of Mr. Corrie’s residence at Chunar, are related in the following extracts from his letters and Journal. As, however, in those extracts there occur some allusions to an Institution, which about this time sprung up in India, a few words of information will not be out of place.

The patronage which the Marquis Wellesley (then Earl of Mornington) extended to a plan for translating the Scriptures into the languages of the East, had excited the hope that our rule in India would become the means of imparting the knowledge of the true God to millions of our fellow men: but the retirement of that large-minded Nobleman from the government of India, was followed by that determined opposition to the diffusion of the gospel among the natives of Hindoostan, of which so many traces have already appeared in the pages of this Memoir. The consequence was, that notwithstanding all attempts of Dr. Buchanan, Mr. Brown and others, to procure translations and copies of the Scriptures; and though aided in their efforts by grants of money from the Bible Society in England, yet there was a famine of the word of God even among the native Christians of India. This dearth of Bibles seems to have pressed more especially upon the Christians of Tanjore, so that in a sermon preached in Calcutta, on New-year’s day 1810, Mr. Brown was induced to make an appeal on their behalf. The result was that a liberal subscription, headed by General Hewitt, the commander-in-chief, was raised for the purpose of forwarding the distribution of the Tamul Scriptures in Tanjore. Encouraged by the success which attended this effort to procure a larger circulation of the Word of God, Mr. Brown and his friend proceeded to originate measures of larger enterprise. They established a _Bibliotheca Biblica_, an institution which consisted of a “Translation library” and a “Bible repository.” The “library” was intended to contain the Scriptures in the original languages, Lexicons, Grammars, works on Biblical criticism, and generally, all such books as were likely to be useful to translators. The “Bible repository” was designed to contain Bibles and Testaments in all languages, European as well as Asiatic, to be disposed of at moderate prices.[54] It will be seen that with “this judicious and efficient instrument” for good, Mr. Corrie readily united himself.

TO THE REV. J. BUCKWORTH.

“March 12, 1810.

“I cannot recollect how long it is since I was favoured with a letter from you: so many are the accidents to which our letters are exposed between Britain and India, that I attribute the little intercourse we have had to some of these; and, therefore, add one more to the many letters I have sent you; and trust to hear of you when opportunity serves. Sometimes my mind has been deeply affected with the idea of growing old without a friend, or solace of declining years. Gray has well described the feelings of Nature in the lines:

‘On some fond breast the parting soul relies Some pious drops the closing eye requires.’

“It is the privilege of faith, indeed, to raise the soul above creature dependencies; and, I bless God that, in general, I am enabled to say ‘none of these things move me.’ Still, I cling, with the fondest recollection, to the hours I have spent with you, and the advances in knowledge, and I would hope in grace, my soul made in your society; nor can I endure the thought of our intercourse being at an end.

“In this strange land, God has also supplied several whose letters and occasional visits are a source of great comfort and encouragement to me. I believe the number of true Christians is increasing among us, and as these abound ‘the desert will blossom as the rose;’ and this wilderness shall be glad for them. The only principal cause of concern is the small advances that are making towards the evangelization of the Hindoos and Mahomedans. If you cast your eye over the map, you will perceive the distance between the different abodes of the Europeans; and then, suppose even at those stations something may be doing toward this work, how is the intervening space to be supplied?...

“I am recovered from another attack of the liver, much severer than last year’s, and which prevented me from public duty for three Sabbaths: I reckon these interruptions as the choicest blessings. The vain mind is tempted, in full health, to lay up for many years; but these warnings strongly impress the exhortation, ‘whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.’

“My European flock, as to numbers, has been at a stand of late: some of them, however, are now grown unto some stature in Christ; and are a source of great refreshment at times....

“The old native Christian has improved of late, and some of the native Christian flock give good evidence of a true conversion. At times, whilst ministering among these, my heart overflows with delight; and the simplicity with which they express themselves is very striking. I only wish the number of them was greater: for, alas! who, in comparison hath yet ‘believed our report?’

“I am removed from this station to Agra, once the imperial city, where are the most splendid remains of fallen greatness in Hindoostan. One of my dear young friends, whom I heard of yesterday, says, ‘You are the first who has been commissioned to preach in that Nineveh repentance and remission of sins. I see a peculiar honour conferred upon you by this appointment. May God prosper you!’ My soul responds, Amen! The Lord grant my entering in among them, may be ‘not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.’ Hitherto I have been prevented from proceeding, but trust shortly to go on my way, by the will of God, rejoicing. One comfort attending the journey is, that it will take me by the abode of dearest Martyn; and with him I shall make some stay.

“We regret deeply that no more chaplains, who would lend a helping hand, are coming over to assist us. In three years, I have been preparing myself, I would hope, for greater exertions, by learning languages, &c.; and have done some little here towards founding a Christian church; but now, alas! the work, to human appearance, will be at a stand. My old deacon wishes to go with me though, and I shall take him; though at first it seemed better to leave him with these ‘few sheep in the wilderness:’ but those of them who are most serious have husbands somewhat like-minded, and, therefore, are less likely to suffer wrong; and the old man will be very useful in a new place. Most of the Christian men go with me, in one capacity or another; though they are a heavy expense to me. Where we are going, I purpose to colonize them, if God in his providence shall supply opportunities. Oh! were you but here to talk over these subjects with me! You cannot well have a due idea of this country, nor of our proceedings, unless you were to be with us; but I must restrain my feelings, and rather give you some information that will amuse you.

“Two days since, a Brahmin in authority here, and with whom I have had many disputes, took away a copy of the gospels, after I had read to him some particulars of the death of Christ, which impressed him greatly at the time. My removal has made him very anxious; and sometime ago, when I was first ordered away, he came, and after many expressions of concern said, ‘Sir, I have a great favour to beg before you leave this place; pray cause to be written for me your account of the first beginning of things, with the genealogies of the first ages. Before you came, I never heard these subjects spoken of, and when you are gone, no one will take the trouble to unfold us any hidden thing.’ He has now the beginning of Genesis, and the four Gospels. Affairs on the continent have taken a most disastrous turn[55] to our apprehension; but ‘the Lord reigneth;’ and one thing we cannot but rejoice in, _the fall of the man of sin_.”

TO THE REV. D. BROWN.

“March 15, 1810.

“I yesterday sent off by _banghy_[56] De Coetlegon’s Sermons, and some chapters of Genesis in Persian, translated by my Moonshee from my Hindoostanee translations. It is on this account I sent the Sermons, as the Moonshee would give me no peace until you should have a specimen of his performance, and give your opinion whether or no it will be of any use to go on in this way. The occasion of doing thus much arose from some Mahomedans about the court at Mirzapore desiring from me some account of the books of Moses. Mr. Ricketts, the judge, was passing this, and some people in his train. They called upon me and immediately expressed a wish to see some of the translations they had heard I employed myself about. I produced the epitome done by Gladwin, it seems, at the request of Mr. Clarke. This they read for an hour at least, and on going away begged a copy. Afterwards the Molwhee told the moonshee that the Koran gives a more particular account of things than our books. To this the moonshee answered, that what he had seen was a very concise abridgment, but if he were to see the original he would forget the Koran. This brought on a violent dispute. To make good his assertion, the translation you have a copy of was made, and the remainder of the epitome added. One chapter was first sent to Martyn, who approved of it, and now you must also see it. Our Cutwal[57] here is a Hindoo, and has often, with heat, contended with me about the comparative authenticity of our books; but on the prospect of my leaving seems softened, and has of his own accord begged a copy of the beginning of Genesis and of the Gospel; which he has got. He often contends eagerly with the Mahommedans, and puts them to silence by the arguments he has learnt; and on the riots at Benares a great concourse of Mahomedans came to him and my moonshee. One night they continued to dispute until midnight, not respecting Hindooism and Mahomedanism, but entirely respecting the Mahomedan and Christian writings. I hope I am getting better, but not so speedily as last year. My flock is already as without a shepherd. I have not been among them for a month. A few came to the house on Sunday evening, but the exertion on the occasion, though little more than family worship, has thrown me back.”

“April 3, 1810.

“Your last letter found me very unwell, so much so, that greatly as I wished, I could not engage in answering it. I have no fear of being forgotten by you, yet these tokens of your regard are indeed very acceptable. It seems a weakness in my nature that makes me cling to creatures as I do; and the same weakness is the source of what you are so kind as to call by a softer name.

“It would be a cause of deep regret to me to be excluded from your ‘Translation library;’ you will really oblige me by inserting my name among the subscribers, and I will make an effort to set all straight with you and all the world. After deducting the amount of the house here, which I have sold and am to be paid for in August, I do not owe above 3000 rupees: yet I do owe all I am, and all I ever shall have in my power, to such purposes as you propose. I will endeavour first to be just, and then I will glory in devoting my all to the propagation of the gospel in India. The doctors say there is no occasion for my going down the country, but I shall be guided much by Mr. Robinson.[58] He is near at hand; yet come I shall not without some alteration for the worse. I have now very little pain, but am weak and incapable of application. I should rejoice more in visiting Aldeen than Cawnpore even, for the children are all very dear to me, and their playfulness delights me. I hear Martyn has received the packet from you, and has heard from Mr. Simeon that Cambridge university voted Buchanan, a D.D. degree.[59] I hear general M. wishes to reside at Ghazeepore with the 67th. The poor old man has thrown obstacles in the way of our church till the materials are likely to be lost, but the congregation increases in proportion to the general’s opposition. W. has often 30 at Divine Service, and usually about 20. They sing hymns, and are generally a very interesting people; though but a few, as usual, give evidence of any change.”

“Chunar, April 28, 1810.

“Your papers have reached me in safety;--viz. 1st. a report for 1809. 2nd., the Agra books and papers. 3rd., the Bibliotheca Biblica &c. The ‘Translation library’ must prove highly useful. I have some of the books you have mentioned--A Golius, Dictionarium Arabicum, Schultens, Life of Saladin, Stillingfleet’s Origines Sacræ, Wells’s Geography, and others, which shall be sent down, if you please; except Golius, which is to be delivered to Martyn’s care on my arrival at Cawnpore. But the ‘Bible repository’ delights me. This is beyond all your other highly meritorious labours, for the benefit of the present generation. I shall send it round here, if I have time, but I have only eight days more here, and on my arrival at Agra will make it public. On receipt of the Report, I sent it to some acquaintance here. One sent it to a rich Native[60] in the city, who reads English; he has returned it with a _Hoondee_[61] for 100 rupees, and an address to the Bible Society. I shall, D. V. send it off to the Secretary in due form on Monday, and he may send it for publication; it appears to me an event that would interest at home, but you will judge when you see the whole. It has delighted me highly. I have been this week at Benares taking leave. E. is not yet arrived. The old gentleman there is most gracious always to myself, but is a raging bear behind my back against all our measures. It has called forth all my little energy to make the poor stand I have against his influence. The Church has been delayed under various pretexts twelve months, but the materials were collected. I made those efforts since March, and at length got permission to begin last week. Robinson undertook the superintendence as a last resource--and his offer was accepted. The gentleman, however, attacked him when the work was begun, and called me by name, Augustus Brooke, and the Salmons, fanatics, &c. I fear this will make E. less forward than he might otherwise have been, but I have left a few Bibles and Testaments at Wheatley’s for sale: most are already supplied. Though I have not sold one Bible, Robinson is anxious to get the Church ready by the time you arrive. You can find a congregation. Several families and some individuals spoke out on my coming away, the fulness of a gracious heart. I often think of an expression in a prayer of old Carey’s, in the pagoda, ‘that in the evening of your residence in India you might see the light of truth shine abroad.’ Your’s and his prayer are, I trust, heard. There will be a change in European India, yea there is a change; infidels are beginning to hide their faces, and the young are growing up at the different stations, with a reverence for the ways of God. I perceive the married especially most easily prevailed with. Yesterday, on an occasion of extraordinary awakening, I, after two or three visits, administered the Lord’s Supper to a young Captain and his wife, and the wife of another officer. The latter had called her husband from a party, and entreated him to join our worship; he could scarce refuse. She appears serving God with all her mind, though not with all understanding: I have just been sending her a book. It pleases God to continue me still in much weakness, and no little fear as to my long continuance among you. If I desire any thing in life but to speak and act and write for Him, I pray He may graciously disappoint me and hide from me the evil that would follow; but if He has given me a desire to glorify Him, I trust He will spare me a little that I may shew forth His praise!”

It may not be uninteresting to mention, that the letter which Mr. Corrie states to have been written by a Hindoo to the committee of the Bible Society, is printed at length in Mr. Owen’s History of that Society, (vol. 2. pp. 36-38.) In transmitting the letter, Mr. C. observed:--

“This native has acquired a considerable fortune, in some employment under our government, in which it was necessary for him to read and write in English. On being pressed by arguments urged for the supreme importance of Christianity, he excused himself by saying, ‘He thought if it were so, the British government would have made the Christian religion known to their subjects in this land.’ This objection he urged in a variety of ways, and here the discussion ended. On receiving the report for 1809, in answer to this, he sent an address to the Bible Society, written by himself, and now in my possession, requesting that it might be corrected; which was done, retaining his own expressions as much as possible.”

TO THE REV. D. BROWN.

“May 7th. 1810.

“This morning we left Chunar, and are now on our way to Cawnpore. I have recovered greatly of late, but now my sister is fallen unwell, and thus we are kept dependant, and trust we find it best to be so. On Saturday morning, Mr. E. arrived, but did not let me know. I however heard about mid-day, and straightway sent an invitation to our house. In the evening he came, and next morning Mrs. E. and the infant; and we have left them this morning in our former habitation. I preached a farewell sermon yesterday morning, from Romans x. 1., first: pointing out the meaning of salvation as including deliverance from danger:--the danger arising from sin, the necessity of salvation from sin if we would avoid its consequences, as well as to make us meet for the inheritance &c. and second: Why I wished them to be saved, viz., from the consideration of the misery of Hell, the joys of Heaven and the pleasures of religion here. There was great attention. I said a good deal too, in the conclusion, on the strain of my preaching among them,--that I was aware many did not like it,--but pointed out the necessity of delivering my own soul, as well as my desire not so much for their favour and approbation, considered in itself, but as connected with salvation. Here I intended my successor should hear something of my opinion of our works. In the evening, my little flock were full of expressions of kindness, and I think it was a season that will be remembered. The Hindoostanees came in a body, and made loud expressions of regret at my departure, many of them weeping aloud. In the evening too I baptized three Caffres, the servants of a gentleman, and who had for some time been under instruction. Many were present, and we begun the service by singing some verses from _Veni Creator_. Two of them gave pertinent answers to some questions on Christianity; and on their repeating the creed in Hindoostanee most present were melted to tears. Mr. G. has, it seems, professed to the General that he will never go to Benares, unless he is ordered, and the general has declared he will never order him. The Church however is going on under Mr. Robinson, and much interest is excited about it. The military have desired him to make the building a handsome one, and they will add to the subscription. Thus in spite of Satan and those he leads captive, the work of the Lord prospers and will prosper. I have had packets of letters on leaving, and am astonished at the kind acceptance my little more than abstaining from evil has met with. It seems to be a wonder among them, that I performed my official duty when called upon; and especially that I should express my readiness to serve them. Dear Mr. R. is greatly excited of late towards the best things; his heart has been deeply touched by the death of his youngest sister, and he is tenderly alive to the blessedness of those who die in the Lord. This is a happy event just now, when some of the society there, (especially one Captain) seem seriously seeking to secure the better part. They know his Father’s character, and the advantages he has enjoyed; and also they have seen him more retired and more attentive to his duty than most; and they seem now to look to him for information. We know however, how slow of growth the heavenly plant is, from the untowardness of the soil it falls into; we know how many blights and thorns it is exposed to: though some good appears, we still are not content, but, filled with hopes and fears, we watch for the event. I told you I had sent the plan of the library to Major Wilford. He had not understood me, so I intend writing again. I enclose his note with the papers, it will give you a more correct idea of his mind towards this work than I can. I fear E. will not take any trouble to make known the Bible Society proceedings. I send a copy of the advertisement to Wheatley’s shop, where it will be seen by many; and have left one dozen Bibles, and two dozen New Testaments, with Mr. E. at Chunar. Dr. W. I find, does our cause good against his will, by his incivility and grasping after fees. Do you indeed come up the country? Martyn talks of my remaining a month at Cawnpore: at any rate I hope to leave there to conduct you to the imperial city. It perhaps would be of importance to get Martyn to resign the service, and give himself to the translating and printing the scriptures. He will not eat the bread of idleness, and it is clear his present labours will bring an early period to his life. I scarce know how to write it, but so it is. I will give you a faithful account from Cawnpore.”

The following letter, addressed to the Rev. Mr. Simeon of Cambridge, contains a kind of retrospect of Mr. C’s labours at Chunar, and is on that account given at length, at the risk of the repetition of a few circumstances which have been already mentioned.

“May 9th. 1810.

“I know it will be agreeable to you to hear of the progress I am making, if it may be called progress, in the appointment I hold. Three years last February, I arrived at Chunar, with very imperfect views of the nature of the work I had engaged in; the habits and character of Europeans undergo an almost entire change, after a few years residence here, so that our work among the Europeans takes a different turn from the work of the ministry in England. We have to argue for the sanctity of the sabbath, the extensive import of the seventh commandment, &c., before we can speak of the evil of breaking these commandments. The necessity of caring about the example we set is decried, as, say they, ‘those we live among do not own the authority of the scriptures &c.’ My labours have not, however, been in vain among the Europeans. A small society among the soldiers, I left at Chunar, and some of them will no doubt endure unto the end. Of the higher classes many individuals are exemplary. A church, or rather chapel, is erecting at Benares,[62] and though my successor expresses no zeal for the success of it, I doubt not instruments will be raised up, and sent forth in due time. I would to God, some of the many young men around you, were but excited to engage in this service. As to privations, save that of separation from dear earthly ties, which is indeed a severe privation, we have only to fear being lulled into indolence and fatal security. Our countrymen here ought to be held in high estimation, and a soul saved in India is indeed a brand snatched from the burning, whilst it is usually, also, a valuable member restored to society; for scarcely any motive, but that which the gospel supplies, can rouse from the apathy and overwhelming influence of an enfeebling climate and systematic lust.

“Soon after February 1807, I met with a Native Christian, who engaged in reading the Hindoostanee gospels with me, and in September following, we began worship in Hindoostanee, to the native wives of the soldiers. These had been baptized by Roman Catholic priests, but were deplorably ignorant of every christian truth. I began also with a Moonshee to translate from the books of Moses; and though I blush often in review of these first attempts, they were useful in conveying some idea of the truth, as the Native Christian, by repeated efforts on my part, gained a correct notion of the subject, and by his exhortations &c. conveyed it to them. About forty continued to attend once in the week, and once on the Sabbath, till last Lord’s day; some of these I trust to meet at the right hand of the Judge ‘in that day.’ Two of them are truly spiritual, and many of them unexceptionable in conduct. The change in those who attended instruction, is manifest to all. I baptized during my residence at Chunar, two men and three women; the men and one woman unconnected with Europeans, and all except one man are walking unblameably. Beside these, many Roman catholic christians come from time to time, and several of these are in my service. I have five christian children also, who are going with me, that their education may not be hindered by my removal. There is with me also, a youth about seventeen, whose parents are the children of Europeans; this lad gives hope that he is a partaker of the grace of God, and is going with me for the express purpose of learning the way of God more perfectly, that he may become a teacher of the christians here, in general lying in darkness as much as the heathen. His purpose at present is, ‘according to the language of each people,’ so that he requires instruction in English and in the native languages also. My native flock, on my coming away, expressed their regret by many tears, and some by loud lamentations. The old teacher goes with me, as there are many native christians at Agra. I wished to have left him behind; but circumstances, with the advice of beloved Martyn, induced me to let him come as he desired. He will probably soon return. The tumult about missions has subsided here, though the generality of the English are as averse to it as ever. A riot took place at Benares last September, which the alarmists here will no doubt make all the use they can of, in their reports home. A quarrel[63] took place between the Hindoos and Musselmans, in which some lost their lives. Report at first magnified the number to three hundred, but I have seen a copy of the official report to government, and the following, you may depend, is the truth. In the reign of Aurungzebe, a Hindoo place of worship consisting of a Temple with a sacred Well within the enclosure, (or church-yard) was seized upon by the king’s order. The temple was appropriated for Mahomedan worship, but the Hindoos had still access to the well. Whilst the Mahomedans were in power, no disputes arose, for the Hindoos consider the king’s order one road to heaven. Since the English have had dominion, many causes of mutual complaint have risen up, from the disrespect shewn by the different sects to each other in their worship. The Mahomedans, in their petition to government, state, that amongst other indignities, the Hindoos had on a late festival, placed an idol in the pulpit of the temple by way of contempt, whilst the Hindoos, in their petition, relate similar instances of disrespect, shewn to them by the Mahomedans. The immediate cause of the riot was as follows. An idol being some time since dug out of a ruin, a Fakeer began to make it the object of his worship. For this end he built over it a mud shed, and afterwards a thatched little house, on the border of the disputed ground, where the Mosque and Well are. A rich merchant at last vowed before this idol, that if he might but have a child, he would build a stone house over it: he had a child, and in building the house, encroached on the ground the Mahomedans claimed, who straightway collecting, demolished the idol, and killing cows, sprinkled their blood on many temples of the Hindoos, and destroyed a sacred pillar. The Hindoos retaliated, and killing hogs, sprinkled their blood on the Mosques. To prevent these fancied pollutions there was much violence on both sides; and five men were killed and many wounded. The soldiery put an end to the tumult.

“May 17. I dispatch this from Allahabad. I heard here from Martyn, who is in usual health, and with whose company I hope to be refreshed in eight or ten days, if the Lord will. This is a large station of Europeans, and is highly deserving of a chaplain. It is, at present, in the Cawnpore district. I have several occasional duties as they are called, to perform for Martyn, and am detained three days on that account. I may have mentioned, that at Benares a merchant calls the soldiers and people of his own description to worship in his house on the Sunday and once a week; and here an inferior officer in the ordnance department does the same. He tells me he had last sabbath a congregation of fifteen. I have lent copies of the Village Sermons at both places, and they use the Church of England prayers. But the unhappy pride of rank &c. which prevails here to an extent you have no idea of, prevents their influence from reaching far, though they are witnesses of God, ‘epistles of Christ, known and read of all men.’ Had we a few more Colonel Proles, (whom I believe you know,) the presence of more chaplains might be better dispensed with. He officiates unweariedly, as priest, as well as prince of the host; and you will be gratified to hear, that very decided marks of favour from the commander in chief have been shewn him of late. He is just put into an important command at Delhi. I have had a more severe attack again in the liver this spring, from which I am, through mercy, recovering, and perceive these visitations to be most merciful appointments; I hope they may be sanctified to me. I trust your health may be restored by this, or that at least, you may be continued to keep open the doors of Trinity Church for many years.”

The spirit of self-devotion in which Mr. Corrie left Chunar to proceed to his new station, may be seen in these letters: in his Journal, also, he repeatedly expresses his desire, that his removal to Agra may be for greater usefulness in the ministry, and “that his profiting might appear unto many.” Very earnest, too, are his expressed prayers, that the Christian youths who accompanied him might by his means be “led to God, through Christ, in holiness of life;” and that he might be “enabled to walk circumspectly, so that the Lord might sanctify his intercourse with them.” And his petition with regard to his own soul was:--

“O Lord, my inmost thoughts inspect, and teach me to know myself as thou knowest me; and not to think of myself above what I ought to think, but to think humbly! O, help me, mighty Lord, and make me a blessing to many!”

Mr. Corrie reached Cawnpore on Saturday, June 2. 1810, and next day, writes:--

“June 3rd. 1810, (Sunday.) I arrived here yesterday morning. For some days preceding I have been unsettled, and unable to apply myself to any good purpose. To-day I have had much sweet conversation with Martyn, but ought to lament a want of spiritual affection. In prayer dead and lifeless, unaffected with the importance of what I am about. O Lord, revive me! This morning I preached to the 8th Light Dragoons, but sadly without feeling myself; and I fear they too were. O thou, who canst make the dead to hear thy voice, raise us to a life of righteousness! The General here is very attentive to religious duties. I love him for what he does; and pray, as do others, that he may be blessed in well doing. O Lord, direct my way to Agra, and make me a blessing there!”

On the following Sunday we find him noting:--

“June 10th. 1810. I have been endeavouring to review my ways, as connected with the ministry I engaged in this day, in 1802. I perceive how greatly I have offended against my engagements, in respect of personal holiness, of motives in my ministrations, and of intercourse with the world. I would admire the goodness of God, my Saviour, in hiding me from the strife of tongues, in bearing with the unhallowed fire of my public services, in preserving me from returning to the world. Especially ought I to praise Him for any acceptance he has given me in my work. I have been made acceptable to many who know God, and it is no small honour to be instrumental in building up God’s church. Some are gone to the grave with hope in the name of Christ, through my instrumentality, especially Dr. B., and a young man at Sewstern. On the voyage to India, R. Y. was roused to consider the instructions a pious father had given him; and G. V. led to choose the better part. A young man I was told, was alarmed on account of his sins from the first sermon I preached at the Old Church, Calcutta. B. at Chunar is walking in the narrow way: and I hope G. will lay hold on eternal life. Among the soldiers, I reckon three at Chunar, who seem truly seeking life eternal, beside many others more or less hopeful there. But, I fear for them all; so desperate are their situations, and trying their circumstances. But, perhaps I ought to bless God above all for the three native women, viz., the wife of sergeant W. of William B. and of John W., they seem to be truly ‘partakers of the benefit;’ and may the Lord grant that James may go on unto perfection. O may the S’s be found among the happy few; with Mr. and Mrs. Y. now in Calcutta! I often think I labour in vain; and alas! in comparison of the world lying in wickedness, what are these few? But, how far do they exceed any reward I could possibly have reckoned on, considering my own weakness, inattention and worthlessness. My God, I bless thee for these! These are my joy and crown: now, let me watch over my own soul; and, O thou Spirit of life, and love, and liberty, accomplish in me complete redemption! Prosper my way to Agra, and prepare much people to thyself there, for Jesus Christ’s sake! This evening attended the funeral of Captain W.--H. M. 53rd. Regiment. The band played before the corpse; and a more affecting scene I have not witnessed for a long time. God, I praise thee that I have not been cut down as a cumberer of the ground. O, teach me so to number my days that heavenly, holy wisdom may be my _only_ pursuit!”

Mr. Corrie had not been long at Cawnpore before it became apparent that Mr. Martyn’s health was in so unsatisfactory a state, as to render it necessary that he should be relieved from the duties of the station. Mr. C. was in consequence detained there to assist Mr. Martyn. His own account of this circumstance is contained in a letter:--

TO THE REV. D. BROWN.

“Cawnpore, July 10th. 1810.

“I have been upon writing to you daily for a long time, till at last I know not well what I have to tell you. When I arrived here, Martyn was looking very ill, and a very little exertion laid him up. Since then you will know that I have been ordered to remain here for a time, to assist him; and he is already greatly recovered. His appearance is much improved. His rest and appetite much more regular, and he is altogether better. It will be well, however, if his former weakness does not return, when he shall again be left to the whole duties of this large station, for his frame is by no means suited for strong labour. For myself, I am well, and as strong as ever I recollect to have been. If I can but avoid a return of the fever, I may last a long while; but it is not for us to boast of the morrow. I am under the same roof with Martyn. Sabat is within call; and of him you will be glad to hear that he is far more respectful and careful in his intercourse with Martyn, than he used to be. He seems to feel that he has gone the ‘length of his tether,’ and is evidently anxious to keep on good terms. He seldom omits doing something in the translations daily; so they proceed regularly. I am greatly pleased with his corrected Persian gospels, which I can read with facility; and having read much of the Shah Nameh, think the style much like that book. The Hindoostanee New Testament will, I suppose, become a standard for future editions. To any one acquainted with the Hindoostanee of Gilchrist, it will not be very difficult. I am decidedly of opinion that the style of any translation for this country, ought to be high rather than low; as it will be the duty of expounders to understand and explain it; and one low expression will make the whole appear contemptible. Hard words, also, when judiciously inserted, are no great detriment to the sense, whether understood or not, as I have often found from the children. I have seen very little of the people here, beside the religious soldiers. I hear sad accounts from my former flock at Chunar. A young man, a physician beloved in the Lord, writes me from thence, that those I thought most staunch among the men, are fallen into sad drunkenness again; and one of my native Christians, too, has turned out very ill there. I had fitted up a small church there, and left it for the use of the serious men; but it is turned into worse than a ‘den of thieves.’”

In the letters which follow, will be found many particulars connected with the studies and habits of life of Mr. Martyn, which cannot fail to be read with melancholy interest. Somewhat minute accounts, too, of the progress of the last illness of that sainted person, occur in the letters to Mr. Brown, and which it has not been deemed requisite to omit; for it can never be thought superfluous to relate “after what sort” the servants of God “have closed up their days on earth.”[64]

TO THE REV. D. BROWN.

“Cawnpore, July 31. 1810.

“You will have received mine of the 14th. which will have set you somewhat at ease. Martyn is much affected by your anxiety about him; but he says, he does not consider himself in danger; and this morning said, he thought a month’s silence would entirely restore him. I try all methods to induce him to leave the translation for a few months, and sometimes seem to have prevailed; and then a little refreshment makes him think himself well. The worst sign seems to be that for a month past he is rather weaker than stronger. On my first arrival he recruited greatly for a fortnight, but is now, to say the best, at a stand. He has agreed to go on the river to try the effect of change and silence; and as soon as a boat can be procured will go towards Futtygur. He objects to going to sea at present, that the cold season here will be beneficial, and that the damps and fogs of Calcutta would be less so at this time; and that he is determined to leave this in February next, in order to get to sea in March. But, the truth is, he expects the New Testament to be done in Arabic by that time, and that then he shall be more at liberty. The state of his health seems this: he is easily fatigued, and then gets but broken rest, with confused and distressing dreams. A very little exertion in speaking produces pains in the chest, with almost total loss of voice, and almost all these symptoms are produced by the evening of every day. He is sparing in his food &c., as usual, but takes sufficient nourishment, although, he says, with little appetite, but from a sense of necessity. I think you will consider immediate relaxation necessary, as I do, and have urged so repeatedly, and in such a variety of ways, that any one but himself would think I wanted to succeed him here. But that to me would be one of the painful circumstances attending his removal. I think the wisdom and goodness of God evident in my former appointment and in my present destination. I can do a little in a quiet way for the furtherance of our common cause, but this large station would both occupy my whole time and make my deficiencies more conspicuous.

“Aug. 1st. My heart is seldom so much at ease as I wish it to be when I write to you. Our dear brother will not believe that he is in any danger; nor is it likely he will die immediately. A little care makes him feel better, and now he hesitates about going on the river at present. He has for some days been from morning till night with Sabat at the Arabic, getting ready the first seven chapters of Matthew: when that is done he is going on with Fitrut in Genesis. I wish it had been convenient for you to come up; you could have taken him back with you, _vi et armis_: but that is past. He speaks of himself as threatened with consumption, with all the composure others speak of a legacy; but thinks it is not yet begun in him. The failure of his voice, and his poor thin frame, make me fear the worst; and I tell him freely my chief hope of a cure in him is from a removal from this [place] and cessation from labour immediately.

“I can write you of nothing else at present. This subject occupies most of my thoughts; I dare not dwell upon the probable issue. But we may ‘have all things and abound,’ whilst we have our God and Saviour. That hymn I sang with a heavy heart, when I first left your paternal roof for Chunar; and daily find it suitable. The ‘sin that dwelleth in me’ makes my life heavy; and but for the invisible hand, I should entirely faint, or ‘become a rebuke unto the foolish.’”

TO THE REV. J. BUCKWORTH.

“Cawnpore, Aug. 16, 1810.

“I am now under Martyn’s roof: you know of my removal to Agra. On our way thither, we found our brother so unwell that I applied, and was ordered by the General commanding, to remain here for a time to assist him. We enjoy all the comforts of religious society we can desire. I am as happy as I can desire to be on earth. Had I been with you, as you kindly suggest, I could not have been more so; and, perhaps not so useful. I am thankful no such temptation offered to detain me in England; the wish to have been a ‘helper together with you,’ would probably have prevailed above all others. It is in vain to conceal that my health has suffered from the climate; and chiefly from imprudence. The necessity of cessation from labour it imposes is most painful. I bless God for these sicknesses, above all His other mercies, as connected with the salvation which is in Christ Jesus. I trust I know that he is blessed who is instructed whilst undergoing correction. At times, I have had such views as I cannot describe, of the excellency of the rest remaining for God’s people, so as to make me ‘desire to depart and be with Christ;’ but, these sweet moments are alas! only of short duration. How does the corrupt nature emit clouds of vain and vile passions, which obscure and darken the greater part of my days! Blessed be God for Jesus Christ!

“The account of one day will give you a general idea of our whole manner of life. We usually rise at day-break, and ride out. Martyn and I breakfast between six and seven o’clock: then read the scriptures with a Polyglott before us, and pray. Martyn then goes to his study. I go to see Mary; and she and Mrs. S. are learning Hindoostanee in order to be able to speak on religion to their female servants; and if circumstances favour, to get a school of female native children. I am their teacher. Mrs. S. has a school of European children belonging to the regiment. I return to reading, usually Hindoostanee or Persian. At eleven, my Christian children come to say the lesson they have been learning with the native schoolmaster. In the middle of the day we have a repast; and then resume reading till four, when the Christian children come again to read in the Hindoostanee gospels. In the evening we meet, usually, at Captain S’s, or Martyn’s, when we sing some hymns, with reading and prayer before we separate. This is the peaceful tenor of our way. At the intervals, two days in the week I visit, and pray with, the sick in the hospitals: on the Sabbath, public worship; in the morning at the drum-head of one of three European corps lying here, in rotation; in the evening of Sunday and Wednesday, we have social worship with a goodly number of pious soldiers in a public building fitting up, but not yet ready to open as a church: besides these [services] once a fortnight there is public worship in the General’s house. Except the soldiers, all our other English rank as gentlemen. We have here only these two classes, except a very few persons in trade.

“I do not consider myself at home here; and am longing for Agra, that I may commence more extensive plans among the heathen. My Christian boys are becoming very dear to me; one especially is very intelligent and hopeful: they will be well grounded in principles; and I pray God to give them spiritual understanding. They come to me with their little complaints, and their Arab black faces often make me very merry; nor would I leave the often painful, because tedious task, of attempting to make them wise unto salvation, even to be the helper of my beloved Buckworth.

“I know not if I wrote to you on our leaving Chunar in May. The native teacher has returned thither; and I reckon some of the native christians there to be truly spiritual. I hope to have a large native flock at Agra: there are few Europeans there, which will leave me more leisure than I have here. Respecting our brother Martyn, his health is far from good, his constitution far from strong: he is going to sea before long, (D. V.) to try sea-air. May God render it effectual to his restoration! His life is beyond all price to us. You know what a profound scholar he is, and all his acquirements are dedicated to the service of Christ. If ever man, since St. Paul, could use these words, he may, ‘One thing I do, &c., (Philip. iii. 13, 14.) He has, with a learned native, finished the translation into Hindoostanee of the whole New Testament; which is ready to be sent to the press, when money is supplied. He is going on with the books of Moses. Sabat has finished the four Gospels, the Acts, and to 2nd. Corinthians, in Persian and Arabic, which Martyn compares with the Greek. The Bible Society helps nobly, and will continue to foster ‘the day of small things’ among us.

“It is in my heart to live, if health permits, and to die, among these people. This, my brother, is my true life, I find; and often, in the anguish excited by the idea of seeing you all no more, I use those words, ‘Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife; and let me languish into life.’ To live to God is life indeed. I am infinitely unworthy of the place I fill, and miserably defective in every part of it; but no one else offers to supply my lack, so that the little I do would be left undone, were I not where I am. May God keep me faithful unto death! Yea, faithful is he, therefore I shall endure: through his power, I shall meet you before the throne. It matters not, then, where we are for the short time of our day.”

TO THE REV. D. BROWN.

“Cawnpore, Aug. 17. 1810.

“I have made three attempts at a report respecting our brother’s health. On the 15th. he was very lively, and then talked of not going even on the river. Yesterday he was weaker, and last night had a violent attack of sickness, which has not entirely left him yet, and has brought him to a lamentable state of weakness. What to do I don’t know. I have urged his leaving his studies and trying change of air, in every possible way. To-day, indeed, he talks again of going on the river, and I hope to keep him in this mind. Your applications for Arabic have set him to work anew with an ardour that nothing but death can repress. From seven in the morning till near or after six in the evening (save a little interval at mid-day,) he is at work with Sabat, and Mirza Fitrut. In vain I warn him of the consequences. Never was any one so inattentive to health, or so unskilful in sickness. I was up with him much of the former part of last night: and without somebody he would be worse from his unskilful applications. He is indeed most tractable as to meats and drinks, but there my authority over him ends. He will have told you of the delay occasioned by want of an Arabic scribe. I don’t know how many copies, but Sabat says ten, have been attempted of the beginning of Matthew for you, and have failed. I wrote to Major Wilford lately, to ask him if he would read and give his opinion of the Sanscrit Gospels. I have received his answer this morning. He says, ‘I rejoice to hear of the progress that is making in the attempt to diffuse the knowledge of the word of God among the Gentiles, but I lament that hardly anything has hitherto been done worth notice, to diffuse it among the Hindoos. Every thing seems calculated for the Mussulmans.... The Sanscrit translation of the gospels is useless, for the proud and stubborn Brahmin will never read it. We want a good translation in Hindee, pure Hindee.... Where the Missionaries at Serampore have learned the Hindee, I am at a loss to divine. I hope their assistants do not understand a word of Persian. With regard to the Sanscrit translation, I am very unwilling to have anything to do either directly or indirectly with the Serampore school; but in the sincerity of my heart I wish them success. It was my intention to have leisurely erased all the Persian words out of my friend’s’ (Hunter’s translation, a copy of which I gave Major W.) ‘version; for I am not in the least afraid to revise his or any other version, _even publicly_. It has not been in my power hitherto (from ill health), and God alone knows when I shall be able to resume my studies _con amore et spirito_.’--Thus far Major Wilford.”

“Cawnpore, Sept. 4, 1810.

“Our brother it seems, has told you, he is so well, all further reports respecting his health are needless. I would, however, prove how ready I am to comply with your wishes, though, I hope too, all anxiety respecting Martyn’s recovery is at an end. It seems he requires only rest. It is to be hoped, his constitution is not unsound, but has been greatly tried by his continual exertions. During the last fortnight the change for the better in him has been very evident, but on Sunday evening, the pain in his breast returned, sufficiently to shew him, he must not fancy himself what he once was. He began to ask, why he should go to Calcutta?--being so much better; but this feeling of his former complaint, has, I hope, put all doubts on the subject to flight. Indeed I have made his leaving the station a condition of my remaining. The General has consented to my being put in orders to remain here, till Martyn’s return, and to give Martyn an unlimited leave of absence. So now, on the 1st of Nov. he purposes leaving this for Calcutta, and is meditating schemes of usefulness on his way down, and among the native, Armenian, and Arabian christians in Calcutta. It will be of much importance that you should see him, and talk with him face to face, about the translations, &c. Sabat, I told you, is much more on his guard and more respectful towards Martyn, but causes him great uneasiness, by the slow progress he makes in his work. It is indeed very trying to our brother, as, without some change, the translations will hardly ever be brought to an end. It is needless for me to say anything about the subscriptions, &c. as Martyn writes to you so fully on those subjects. For my own part, I am anxious, that some translation should be got ready for circulation in India; there is yet, none that seems suited to the population we are among; and my views are chiefly confined to these people; among these I shall probably live and die, but no extensive good can flow from the labours of any, till the Scriptures are ready to be delivered to them. I am therefore more delighted with your intention of publishing the Hindoostanee gospels, than the Arabic, whilst I pray you God’s speed with both. About one fifteenth of the population of this country is Mahomedan, and of that fifteenth part, not one in five hundred knows Arabic; but many of them are acquainted with and admire the Persian, and all of them understand the Moors, as it is called. Many too of the Hindoos understand it, and a skilful reader could easily make it understood by all.

“Sep. 12. Thus far I had written as above, but your frequent letters from and to Martyn, made me think it unnecessary to send this. In consequence of your last, Martyn intends leaving this, as soon as boats can be procured for himself and Sabat, but it is uncertain when that may be, as boats are in great request for the General and his suite. Martyn had frequently expressed to me his opinion respecting the incorrectness of Sabat’s Arabic, as well as complained of his slow progress. It is likely, however, that his work will be found better than your last would suggest: so few are qualified to criticise Arabic, that probably many of the objections raised, will be found groundless. I think, however, dearest Sir, to give the light of life to the population of India is no small honour put upon your Committee, and I hope you will put the Hindoostanee translation, Martyn is bringing down, to the press straightway. We have, during last week, been often on the river in a borrowed pinnace, and the effect has been good to us all. Our dear brother continues to mend, but the length of his life will depend much on his desisting, or not, from public duties. He would soon be laid up again, were he to begin to preach. He would, at all events, take half of the duty last Sunday, but beside not being heard by half the Regiment, he was obliged to shorten the service, and with the Faqueers in the evening, brought on the old pain in his breast. The same employments as before occupy me, so I have nothing new to write to you. Our society of soldiers increases, and we are inexpressibly happy together. Mrs. S. has been unwell, but is recovering, and indeed we have mercies multiplied upon us without number. May we have grace to be more thankful.”

It may be proper here to state, that the Committee referred to in this letter, as being instrumental in giving “the word of life to the population of India,” was a Committee formed in Calcutta for holding correspondence with the British and Foreign Bible Society in England. This corresponding Committee was definitely organized in August, 1809, having Mr. Brown for its Secretary; and measures were then adopted for carrying forward approved translations of the Scriptures in the Arabic, Persian, Hindoostanee, and Telinga languages.[65]

That to “live and die among” the people of Hindoostanee, which is here only expressed as a probability, had become a settled purpose with Mr. Corrie, may be gathered from his Journal:--

“Sept. 20th. This day has completed my fourth year in India. My intention of remaining in India continues the same, and of seeking the furtherance of the gospel among the heathen. These Christian children engross much of my time; but not so much prayer as they ought. I would purpose to pray more for them. Oh! may I have grace to be devoted to the ministry! I do determine to be so, the Lord being my helper: my determined choice is the doctrine of Christ and him crucified. O may my affections be more taken up with God! A variety of circumstances have of late made me feel that the best of creatures are subject to vanity. I would complain of none, for the most vain are far preferable to me; but, O may my soul be more taken up with God! Draw me, O Lord the Spirit, and I will run after Thee! Martyn is now going to Calcutta and to sea; and I remain here for a time. I feel my bodily health far from strong.”

And in writing to a near relative, about the same time, after mentioning the intended departure of Martyn from Cawnpore, and the consequent changes, Mr. C. adds,

“These uncertainties make us more and more to feel that this is not our rest. I do rejoice in the blessed hope of a rest remaining for the people of God.

“One of the godly soldiers departed this life last night. His end was peaceful and blessed. His last words to me, yesterday morning, were, ‘I desire to depart and to be with Christ as soon as possible.’ A day or two before, on my asking him how he was, he said, ‘Waiting to be made free from corruption and fit for God.’ And at the same visit he said, ‘Blessed Saviour! He has done great things for my soul.’ His life, for some time past, had been suitable to the gospel. This is the third who has been taken from the little flock since we came here. Blessed be God, who raises up one and another to supply their places.

“One of the officers has joined himself to our meetings for worship, &c. and is a hopeful and pleasing young man, and a great encouragement to the poor soldiers, who for a time were much discouraged by their superiors.

“We have had several instances of very awful awakenings of conscience in the prospect of death. One person, a week or two since, could not contain his feelings in the midst of the many sick around him, in the hospital, but openly accused himself, and loudly called for mercy. However, the generality, alas! are careless, notwithstanding these and other solemn warnings. A gay, smart young Captain, a short time since was seized with a fit in a large company, at dinner, and died during the night. A great crowd attended his funeral, and all the solemnity and pomp of military parade attended, but alas! the impression passed away.... There are indeed a few (and the number is increasing) of godly people, scattered up and down, who are each a light in his place.”

The references which are found in the foregoing letter and in the letters which follow, to the “incorrectness of Sabat’s Arabic,” and to the “rage” of that unhappy man, “against the moonshees of Calcutta,” are explained by the circumstance, that just before Mr. Martyn left Cawnpore, he had received intelligence from Mr. Brown that the translations of the Gospels into Persian were considered to be too imperfect for publication; whilst it was insinuated that Sabat’s translations into Arabic were but copies from some old version.[66] This apparent failure in an object so near his heart, as the translating of the Scriptures, occasioned great distress of mind to Mr. Martyn; and all the evil passions of Sabat were exasperated by the imputation cast on his learning. In these letters, may be but too plainly traced the unrestrained workings of that pride, selfishness and violence in Sabat which afterwards ended so mournfully, though not unnaturally, in his apostasy from the “faith which” always “worketh by love.”

TO THE REV. D. BROWN.

“Cawnpore, Oct. 4, 1810.

“Our brother Martyn left this on the 1st for Calcutta, in better health than for some time, so that, but for the Arabic translation, he would perhaps not have been persuaded to leave this at present. Since I wrote to you, I have had a specimen of the violence of Sabat, and the inexpressible trouble Martyn must have had with him. It began before the last letter of yours came, about boat-hire. He began by writing that Martyn ought to pay for his boat. On this Martyn referred him to you, but he evidently wished not to speak to you on the subject. Soon after this, your last arrived, and Martyn did not tell him the whole of its contents; at first only said, you were more than ever urgent for their going down speedily. As the time drew near, he one day came in, and after much cross-purposes, demanded to see the order for his going down, or he would not stir; intimating that Martyn had some sinister motive and interested purpose in taking him down with him. It is impossible to convey to you an idea of the aggravating manner and expressions he used. I lost patience, and told him plainly, how unchristian his conduct was, and how little like the gentility he pretended to. Martyn then read him your letter, which filled him with rage against the Calcutta moonshees, &c., and he determined to set off instantly, and put them all to flight before Martyn could arrive. This manner lasted two or three days, when an invitation he had asked for, came from Baillie,[67] and away he went to Lucknow, purposing to return the third day. Instead of returning, he sent a note to say, he would stay twenty days, or a month, and would translate and Baillie would inspect; and so he would come down to Calcutta armed for the contest with the objectors there. Martyn was hurt at this, and wrote a statement of the circumstances to Baillie; telling Sabat also, he should set off as he intended, should go to sea, and that the disputed translation would remain in suspense; and of course, as he could not go on with the work, it was likely his salary would be stopped; adding also, that his family would be obliged to remove into another bungalow, as my sister would come here. On this, Sabat wrote in the most earnest manner, for Martyn not to go without him; at the same time saying, he should stay four or five days longer. To this Martyn paid no attention, but set off, and yesterday Sabat returned, full of rage against him, and purposing to set off to-morrow or next day to overtake him if possible, and at all events to procure from you full redress of his many wrongs. There is little hope that any person but Martyn, supposing them capable and willing to superintend Sabat’s translations, could bear with him; and indeed when the work would be finished by him, it is difficult to say. His unsteady and haughty temper is likely to prevent his ever doing extensive good, not to say, that the love of money has too evident hold of him. He has procured boats. He is now full of expressions of concern about his wife, who is within a month of having a child: and indeed his concern is proper enough, but had he set off as was first agreed, he might have been now in Calcutta. For my part, I feel quite alone and a stranger in the midst of this large society. Parson, you may have heard, is wishing to come here under the idea, as he says, that I was going away, to leave Martyn sinking under the duty. I had not thought of so doing; but heartily glad shall I be to give place to him, as my own strength is not likely to hold out long under the constant duties of this station. The folly and dissipation of the higher sort, cast me greatly down. How to deal with them, I know not. The church was opened last Sunday, which may give me more opportunities with them, than I should otherwise have had. A few of the poor receive the word gladly, and they are our joy and crown. Your opinion of the Native boys, has caused me great disquietude. I was convinced of danger as to their turning out well, but hoped not quite so much as you describe. It has made me more watchful over them: but I shall make a fair experiment with them. I trust all your family are enjoying good health, and as much comfort as this world of sin and sorrow will admit of.”

TO THE REV. H. MARTYN.

“Cawnpore, Oct. 8, 1810.

“Yours of the 3rd. from Allahabad, came only yesterday. We were thankful to hear you had got so far in safety. I received the enclosed also yesterday, and sent one or two of less consequence for you to Calcutta. We had a very large congregation yesterday, beside the morning service with the 53rd. I have escaped with a severe head-ache this morning; I trust to be quite well to-morrow. I called at R----‘s, G----‘s, E----‘s, and B----‘s this morning, so am making great progress in my work, I hope; though this of calling is a very insignificant part of it. I have, since you left, seen in the life of President Edwards, that he thought ministers should consider their talent for conversation, and, if they cannot improve conversation &c., should stay at home. If I had the least pretension to his usefulness in the closet, I should be inclined to dwell there. The gateway to the church shall be put up as you wish; at present we are busy making Sabat’s house sweet. I have got the christian children close by the book-room, and hope to have a watchful and effectual eye over them now.

“I wrote to Mr. Brown on Thursday, and gave him a particular account of my opinion of Sabat. I told him, what, I fancy, I did not tell you in the former cover enclosing Mr. Brown’s, that on Sabat’s return from Lucknow, he expressed great warmth about your going without him, and the subject of your letter to Baillie. It seems he was sorely hurt at your writing to Baillie on the subject; Baillie had shewed him the letter, &c. He wished me to side with him in thinking you had treated him as a Hindoo, &c. After many words, I told him, that no other person I knew, would have borne with him as you have done; and that all the christians in Europe would think so, if the circumstances were known. This stopped his violence; and during the few remaining days he shewed great humiliation, and at parting _seemed_ much cast down. I hear he had been beating the _dandees_,[68] and they all ran away at Georgemow, but as I have heard no more, suppose he got off somehow. The Mirror is come this week as usual; when you arrive, be so good as to order it to come in my name, as I wish to continue it. There have been enquiries respecting you, from everybody I have seen, and as many kind wishes for your speedy return in health.”

TO THE REV. D. BROWN.

“Cawnpore, Oct. 10, 1810.

“I sent off yesterday by banghee, a correct copy of the Hindoostanee New Testament, for Martyn at your house; he has one copy with him beside. I heard from him from Allahabad on the 3rd., he was going on his way prosperously. I have sent some letters that came here for him, to meet him at Patna. Shepherd will be here in a few days. He was to leave Meerut on the 1st. I have then the whole range of the Doab.[69] Our new church was opened, as I told you, by Martyn, and we had a larger attendance on Sunday last. The natives are greatly pleased with the bell; they argue for the antiquity and holiness of their own use of bells in their temples, from the English also using them. The Sherwoods are living next door, and have made a gate into our garden. The continual calls of duty of one kind or other, leave me very little time with them. I have got the christian children within call of my window, and entirely separated from the other parts of the premises. Mary talks of beginning a school for native christian girls. She can read the Persian character pretty readily, and we have a promising half-caste boy, who will be her schoolmaster. We are progressing, I think, both among the Europeans, and in our little establishment for the natives; yet, I know not why, my mind is almost always cast down and without hope. The select meeting of the poor soldiers is a source of much, and almost the only refreshment to me. I would desire greatly to begin a meeting with the 8th Light Dragoons, where many of the men are hopeful, but I fear my bodily strength would sink under it, for as it is, I cannot keep quite rid of a cough and other symptoms of weak lungs. I know, however, that my Redeemer liveth,--let me quietly leave all with him, and he will bring it to pass! When will the chaplains Dr. B. mentioned, arrive? Simeon says, he can get no chaplains to come out; even worldly men dread our climate so much, they will not encounter it.”

[54] Owen, Hist. of the Bible Society, Vol. 2. pp. 1-32.

[55] Alluding probably to the successes of Napoleon in Germany, which terminated in the treaty of Schönbrun.

[56] Carrier.

[57] A kind of Police officer.

[58] Son of the late Rev. T. Robinson, of Leicester.

[59] Pearson’s Memoirs of Dr. Buchanan, vol. 2. p. 211.

[60] Named _Jounarain Ghoshaul_, a resident in Benares.

[61] Bill of Exchange.

[62] Mr. Corrie laid the first stone of this Church, on the morning of Tuesday, April 29, 1810.

[63] A full account of this religious tumult is given in Bishop Heber’s Journal.

[64] Hooker, “A remedy against Sorrow and Fear.”

[65] Owen’s History of the Bible Society, vol. ii. pp. 14, 15.

[66] See Martyn’s Letter to Mr. Brown, dated Sept. 10, 1810.

[67] The English resident at Lucknow.

[68] Native boatmen.

[69] The whole country lying between the rivers Ganges and Tumna.