of its opening, has been always filled; nay, it has even several times happened that more than 200 persons have been compelled to go away for want of room. One of our colporteurs, who is stationed in the neighbourhood of Angoulême, has visited the chapel for several Sundays, to his great edification. He has since forwarded to me the most gratifying intelligence, both in regard to the great numbers who attend the Protestant worship, and also in regard to the good disposition manifested by a very considerable number of the inhabitants in the town; and he closes his communication by observing that the whole is to be attributed to the Bible colportage, adding, "Oh, what a privilege is it to be a Bible colporteur !" THE MALAGASSY YOUTHS. (Extract of a letter fram David Ratsarahomba to a Friend at Walthamstow.Written in English.) Port Louis, Oct. 8th, 1846. I am sorry to say that we have not for a long time heard anything of our suffering Christians in Madagascar, nor from our friend Joseph; but be sure that if we hear anything of them we shall not fail to give you some information. With regard to our congregation here, we are going on very well, as ever, and are still increasing in number; and some have been admitted to be members, and that gives me much pleasure to be surrounded by Malagassy members, to praise and adore our Saviour. Ramiandra hasina is also one of the members, baptized some months ago. He is a very good man I think; I have called him to pray several times; and sometimes he goes with me when I go to Moka to preach, when Mr. John le Brun is not there, for he sometimes preaches in another place. I have been often sent there by Mr. Le Brun, especially this year. There is a very good congregation there; the people are very attentive; many of the adults can read, both French and Malagassy. Sometimes I preach in the country in the morning, and preach in town in the after stand before the Hovas, and, besides, the Sakalavas dislike the French very much. And what I hear also is, there are thirteen ships of war waiting at Bourbon lately, but what their intention is we do not know. I do not think they will do anything; neither will the Hova government have friendship with the French. To the Rev. J. J. Freeman.-(Written in English.) With regard to our situation here since I last wrote to you: The people wishing to be instructed are more and more, and the chapel is well attended on the Lord'sday; for this is the first thing we ought to look for as the fruits of our labour, because if they merely receive instruction, and do not care for the Lord's-day, it is the mark of their character, that they have no fear of God; but, on the contrary, as far as I know, they have changed their former desires, and love the house of God better than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. The Malagassy service in Port Louis is on Saturday and Thursday, in the Malagassy chapel; the former commenced in a house, and after that we found the house too small we removed into the chapel, this is about two years since; and on Thursday the people requested me to fix another day during the week, so I consented, and this, from its commencement more than a year since, is well attended. And on the other days I give them lessons, and go to their houses to pray and talk with them. Still, dear Sir, we have many things to encounter, because the knowledge of the Lord is not come yet; as he declares, "That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." But should we be discouraged, Sir? No. To spread the word of God is our duty, and the events are God's, and not ours. We leave the events to God; for the Christians in England know far better than I, that the gospel is spreading its light through almost all parts of the world by their efforts. .... And may the God of all grace be upon you all, and give you prosperity in this life, for your happiness and for his glory! Amen. I study as much as I can, Sir, in the Holy Scriptures, and the Ventinteny is very useful which you have translated into Malagassy, and I try to improve in English, lest I forget it. I am quite well and happy, through the blessing of God. Your affectionate and obedient servant, DAVID RATSARAHOMBA. SAMOA. ACCOUNT OF LEONE STATION IN THE ISLAND OF TUTUILA. WE are indebted to the Rev. Thomas Slatyer, at present in England, for the subject of our engraving this month, accompanied by the following account of the station at which he laboured in connection with the Samoan Mission :— "I have great pleasure in presenting the following accountof LEONE STATION, referring more especially to the erection of the new Chapel in the bosom of that beautiful and spacious Bay. It will be remembered that, when Mr. Williams first touched at that memorable spot, he found, to his surprise, that a Chapel, though but of rude structure, had been already built, while as yet no Missionary had set foot on the shore. This, and I believe another place of worship, had been destroyed previous to the erection of that which was standing when I commenced my labours there in the beginning of 1840. "The latter was a building of 120 or 130 feet long, capable of holding upwards of 1,200 people- the utmost extent of native skill and labour had been expended to ensure its durability. In the year 1840, scenes of most thrilling interest occurred within its walls, the results of which eternity will, doubtless, record to the glory of the God of Missions. Dense congregations that from time to time assembled there, trembled before God, and wept before the Cross. Often did my beloved fellow-labourer (Mr. Murray) and myself feel and say, Surely God is in this place.' "During the continuance of these crowded assemblies and solemn awakenings, a desolating hurricane visited our pleasant island, and laid the Leone sanctuary in ruins. On the morning of the 17th of Dec., 1840, after being driven out of our own falling house, and having found shelter for my friends in a native hut, I hastened, amid the fury of the storm, to the Chapel, and was just in time to see it demolished. In a few minutes it fell with a tremendous crash-many natives were with me, and sorrowfully watched the work of destruction. It had been the spiritual birth-place of many souls within the space of a few months; and many, who had no other means of private retirement, during the darkness of night, had sought its solitude to hold communion with heaven. "On consulting with the people, I was not a little cheered by their spontaneous manifestation of willingness to do anything in their power to obtain a new Chapel. "On the 1st of March, 1841, the Foundation-stone was laid, when a short address was delivered by my lamented friend, George Lundie, followed by prayer by myself. On the 23rd of Feb., 1841, the Chapel was completed. (p.97.) Upwards of 600 trees were dragged from the bush, some the distance of three or four miles, and sawn into beams and boards by the native workmen. Some of the trees were 38 feet long, and eighty men, or more, were required to drag one such tree from the place where it was felled. All the labour is, of course, effected without the aid of horse or other quadruped. Many thousand feet of timber were sawn, and immense quantities of coral lime made; and it was delightful to witness the spirit and cheerfulness with which the natives wrought. In addition to their gratuitous labour, they also gave to the two Englishmen, (who assisted us,) as an additional remuneration, a few articles of native property, and sixty pigs-the best of which the Englishmen presented to the Camden. "The Chapel is seated throughout, and is a perfect novelty in Samoa, as it is common in all the Chapels to sit on the earth covered only with mats. On the 24th of Feb., 1841, the opening services were held. Mr. Murray preached in the morning, from Psa. lxxxvii, 5, 6; and I, in the afternoon, from Nehem. x. 39, last clause. It was truly an interesting day-the whole island thronged to Leone-the chapel was densely crowded, and they, who had for fourteen months toiled in its erection, joyed with no common joy. Only one month after that auspicious day, my work was suddenly closed within its walls; but they have never ceased since then to resound with the tidings of the Gospel, under the ministrations of my excellent brother and successor, Mr. Bullen; and the station, when I left Samoa, was in a flourishing state-religion, education, and civilization, in pleasing progress." INDIA. BERHAMPORE.-BAPTISM OF A HIGH-CASTE BRAHMIN. OUR late intelligence from India furnishes renewed proofs of the power and progress of the Gospel, and sustains our hopes of its approaching victory over the multiplied forms of idolatry and superstition which yet hold a deadly and imperious sway among the myriads of Hindostan. The light of heaven is now shining on them with strong and steady beam-few deny its divine origin and superior excellence and many are receiving with joy the blessings which it bears. Among the latter is the subject of the following statement-a high-caste Brahmin-who was lately baptized at Berhampore; and who, in the face of obloquy and danger, and at the expense of all the honours and immunities of his Caste, has professed before his countrymen his new discipleship; delighting to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. The account has been received from Mrs. Hill, who writes under date October 2nd : On Sept. 20th, we had a most interesting service in the Mission-chapel-the baptism of Ram Prakas.* He is an up-country Brahmin of high caste, about forty years of age, with a family and many disciples. He is well versed in the Hindoo Shasters. Two years ago his faith in the Hindoo Religion was shaken by the perusal of a book in Hindi, containing a refutation of Hindooism, and a vindication of Christianity. Judging from the manner in which the book is thumbed, and the references he makes from its contents, he must have read it carefully. It was not, however, till the other day he had, for the first time, an opportunity of opening his mind on the subject which had so long engrossed his thoughts, When at Benares, he had often seen the Missionaries preaching and giving away tracts, but was too proud to listen, or to ask for a book. He came to our neighbourhood to instruct some disciples, and Providence led him to Kagra Bazar, at the time Mr. Lessel and two of our Catechists were preaching at the Jubilee Chapel. He stopped listened-and was surprised to find the same truth, explained and enforced, which he had read in his book. He went -- again for three or four successive nights; and, imagining he had found those who could teach him the way of God more perfectly, he introduced himself to the Catechists, and requested an interview with Mr. Hill and Mr. Lessel. I shall not easily forget the interest excited by the first conversation, so simply fervent did he appear. Mr. Hill spoke to him of the difficulties he must encounter by becoming a Christian, such as ridicule, contempt, abuse, and, perhaps, more active violent persecution. He replied, that he was prepared to undergo all. He was then told, that the loss of friends and of reputation, and to be considered as the off scouring of all men, could not be sustained in his own strength, but only by the aid of God. "That is true," he replied. He was then asked, "But if you are deprived of your property and reduced to poverty,"(his landed property is worth ten pounds a month,) "will you not then repent of having become a Christian?" Looking at Mr. Hill, he said, "I shall be safe under your shadow." Mr. Hill replied, "I may soon die, and what will you do then?" To this he said, "Then, there is Mr. Lessel -but children do not at first walk alone. I shall not always be a child." By this he implied, that, though in immediate difficulties, he might lean on Mr. Hill or Mr. Lessel, he should not always be obliged to do so. Being interrogated as to his former faith, he answered, that, not having ever heard the authority of the Shasters questioned, he never doubted the truthfulness of the absurd and marvellous deeds ascribed to the gods. "But what do you now think of your gods ?" 66 They are all false." "Since you began to doubt the truth of your Shasters, you have not had time to examine the claims of all the deities-how then can you say, all the gods are false ?" "When I cook a pot of rice, I can tell when it is sufficiently boiled by pressing one or two grains between my fingers-if they are soft, all is soft. So with the gods. Those I have tested are false: as they are all alike-so, I condemn all." Hindoos have always worn their hair long, and fastened in a knot at the back of the head. With this the Brahmins, at their worship, bind up one or more of the sacred flowers which it is customary to offer to their idols. My son advised him to cut this off. "Yes!" he replied, "'tis the devil's flag." Accordingly the flag was cut off immediately: the change made so great * This name means a manifestation of the god Ram. an alteration in his whole appearance that I scarcely knew him. A respectable Hindoo youth, well educated, a frequent visitor at the Mission-house, and who, some months ago, we fondly hoped, would have embraced Christianity, said to him, "What! you! a learned Brahmin! give up your religion?" He rejoined, "I have not given up my religion-I am now come into my religion-before, I was out of it." Mr. Hill thought if he rejected his Brahminical Cord publicly, that the spectators would perceive that his determination to reject all idolatrous distinctions was voluntary. A few hours before he was baptized, Mr. H. inquired, "What has become of your Brahminical cord?" He had taken it off, and put it into his waistcoat, but now produced it, saying, "Here it is," and immediately wiping Mr. Hill's shoes with it, he threw it out of the window in disgust, saying, "That is all it is worth." Such contempt, poured on the sacred insignia of Brahmins, if made known, will obtain for him curses long and loud from the advocates of Hindooism. The useless cord was, however, brought in again, and formally rejected; when he was baptized in the presence of the Native Christians, Orphans, and English Congregation. A Brahmin never pays any respect to an inferior. I was therefore much pleased after the service, when Mr. Hill shook hands with him, to see him turn round with a smile, and shake hands with the Catechists, the Native Christians, and the Orphans: some of the latter seemed delighted, and laughed aloud. To us, who see so much of the haughty Brahmins, (so proud that they will hold out their toe for the by-standers to dip it into a little brass cup of water, which the natives will afterwards drink,) it was deeply interesting to witness this cordial shaking of hands. Our native brother is now living in the Asylum, and studying Bengalee to make himself useful in Bengal, as the Hindi is the language he speaks. May all the dear Christian Friends who peruse this simple account of the baptism of Ram Prakas, pray for him, that he may be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and may prove a living epistle to be read and known of all men! He accompanies those who preach every night, and is anxious to read a chapter to the people. In returning the other evening, he was surrounded by Brahmins, who hooted and clapped their hands at him. Fearing they might proceed to violence, the Catechist turned into the Thanna* for protection, till they had dispersed. He bore it in silence. It is pleasing to trace the hand of Providence in his conversion - it is highly encouraging to Bible and Tract distributors not to weary in their labours. This Brahmin, like many others, was too proud to listen to a Missionary preaching the words of everlasting life. His friend received this book, which probably he never read, and he gave it to Ram Prakas, who read it again and again. The Holy Spirit illumined his mind; the mist of ignorance began to dispel; light shone in-then behold the goodness of God! His brother sends him into our neighbourhood to instruct disciples-Providence directs his steps to Kagra at the time of preaching, where probably he thought he was not knownhe stopped-listened-was astonished, and I trust, converted-to be blessed in leading many souls to believe in Jesus. Pray for Ram Prakas! MADRAS. REPORT OF THE MISSION, BY REV. W. H. DREW. IN the month of June last, after an absence of six years, our brother, Mr. Drew, resumed his labours in the populous city of Madras. From his first report of the Mission, forwarded last November, reviewing the progress of the work, and the changes which transpired during the above interval, and mentioning also the encouragement she has enjoyed, under the divine blessing, since he returned to his sphere of labour, we are supplied with the following statements :- I am truly thankful for what I see, although causes of grief also are not wanting. Prominent among these is the absence of my beloved and valued brother, Smith, whose unwearied and disinterested labours, kindness of heart, and zeal for the welfare of souls, gave him a large place in my heart and in the affection and esteem of great numbers of this community. Still it is a cause for joy and thankfulness, that other dear and valued brethren have been raised up to fill his place, and the work of the Lord has not stood still. On the contrary, it has been steadily advancing. I feel that I am surrounded by an improved atmosphere. There is more knowledge, more liberality, more pious feeling, more sympathy with the work of Christ. This was very apparent to me on my first arrival. Several days were then given to receive the mem Pelice-house. |