They plainly intimated that his debilitated frame could not sustain much longer the repeated attacks of the disease, and that he was fast approaching his heavenly home. On the evening which preceded his death, he requested to be placed into his arm-chair. Here he entered in friendly conversation into the nature and progress of his disorder, interspersing words of consolation, and adding, in a tone of cheerfulness, Surely there will not be wanting for me a blessed employment in heaven, of a kindred nature to that which I have been privileged to carry on here below. Surely we, my Christian brethren, remain united in one great and glorious cause, in a holy and blessed communion with the Father of spirits, and with his Son Jesus Christ." When called again to him in the morning of the 19th of December, all the symptoms of approaching dissolution had made their appearance. He could pronounce only short, broken sentences; such as these: " Peace," "Glory," 'Lord, take me to thyself." "Christ is my life." "Soon I shall have overcome by the blood of the Lamb." We then, in compliance with a wish previously expressed, admitted to his chamber ten of the missionary students, who in a soft subdued tone sung a few beautiful verses expressive of his wish to depart and to be with Christ. Shortly before he expired, he exclaimed, with a brightening countenance, "Light breaks in!" "Hallelujah!" On Saturday, December 22nd, we accompanied his earthly remains to their resting place. The Rev. Mr. Larosche, Rector of St. Peter's parish, preached the funeral sermon, from a text selected by the departed himself," Our friend Lazarus sleepeth." The missionary brethren sang a few verses in a most solemn and affecting manner; and the Missionary Duremba, as the representative of the many Missionaries whom the departed had prepared for their sacred work, offered up a prayer over the grave. CHINA. MRS. DYER'S CHINESE FEMALE SCHOOLS, MALACCA AND PENANG. Some time after Mr. and Mrs. Dyer commenced their labours at Penang, (the first station to which they were appointed,) and the latter had with much difficulty, through the Divine blessing, opened a school for females, the friends of Mrs. Dyer began to consider how they could best answer her call for assistance, and raise funds for this important work; large supplies of fancy articles were sent by persons interested in the cause, but as these kind efforts fluc. tuated greatly, it was feared they might fail when the schools increased and the demand became greater, therefore it was deemed advisable to obtain pecuniary contributions. A relative of Mrs. Dyer's, deeply interested in her work, suggested the possibility of funds being raised by annual subscriptions of one shilling. A ladies' committee was formed, and collecting cards distributed; by this means a sufficient sum was yearly raised to meet the demand, though these schools have been gradually on the increase. The money thus collected has always been laid out in British manufactures, which have been sent to Mrs. Dyer, with such fancy articles as could be collected. There are now eight schools in Malacca constantly visited by Mrs. Dyer. At Penang, besides day-schools, a home school has been commenced by her successor, Mrs. Davies, to whom she forwards a large portion of the articles sent to Malacca; so that there cannot be less than twelve schools, mainly supported by this little association, which, although still flourishing from the continued kindness and liberality of friends, will require a large increase of funds to realize all that is contemplated. The Society for Female Education in the East (since established) would, whenever necessary, send out an agent to assist Mrs. Dyer; but as that Society does not support schools, there would be, even with such help, greater need of pecuniary aid, inasmuch as more schools would probably be established. Those Christian friends who look forward with pious interest to the evangelization of that vast empire of China, are here called upon to lend a helping hand; it is but the day of small things with Mrs. Dyer's and Mrs. Davies's labours, but the believer will not despise nor neglect the day of small things; it may be the "little leaven" which is to leaven the whole lump ;" for who can say what may be the result when we contemplate the effect produced upon a nation, by the simple means of educating her female population? Contributions in money, or articles for sale, may be forwarded to Mrs. Col. Coombs, Downshire-bill, Hampstead; Mrs. Tarn, 3, Cambridge-terrace, Edgware-road, the treasurer; Miss Fox, 11, Tyndall-place, Islington; Miss Dyer, 88, Crawford-street, Bryanston-square; and Mr. Tarn, 56, Paternoster-row. Collecting cards may be had of any of the above individuals. As there are often left on hand many articles from sales in this country, for promoting some good work, supplies from such superabundance would be thankfully received, and well appropriated. MISSIONARY MAGAZINE AND CHRONICLE. MISSION PREMISES AT CUDDAPAH. 1. Christian Village. 2, 3. Paper Manufactory. 4. School House. 5. Mission House. 6. Chapel. CUDDAPAH MISSION. CUDDAPAH is situated in the Peninsula of India, in north latitude 14° 28', and east longitude 79°; about 150 miles from Madras. It is the chief town or city of one of the two collectorates into which the Balaghaut ceded territories are divided, being the capital of the eastern division, as Bellary is of the western. In 1832, Cuddapah was supposed to contain a population of 60,000, of which about two-thirds were Hindoos, the rest chiefly Mohammedans and Indo-Britons. The language principally spoken throughout this collectorate is Teloogoo-the Tamil also is spoken. The Mission at Cuddapah was commenced in 1822, by Mr. William Howell, who had previously laboured for several years chiefly in the capacity of superintendent of native schools in connexion with the Society's Mission at Bellary. He was ordained to the Christian Ministry in 1824. Being already acquainted with the Teloogoo language, Mr. Howell was enabled immediately to take charge of two native boys' schools, which had been previously established, and in a short time to form two similar schools, together with a school for native females; all of them being supported by local contributions. During several successive years the progress made in the work of education was encouraging, and in 1834, two more schools were established; the whole containing about 213 children. In 1836, however, Mr. Howell considered it desirable to apply a larger portion of the local subscriptions to the support of native readers, and the number of schools was consequently reduced to three, with 100 scholars. These schools, two of which are Teloogoo, the other Tamil, still continue in operation; and by the latest accounts it appears that the number of scholars has increased to 120, including 20 girls. In the schools at Cuddapah, the Sacred Scriptures have been uniformly taught, and the progress of the children has been satisfactory. In 1832, it was stated that some of the youths in these seminaries were so deeply impressed with the wickedness and folly of idolatry, as spontaneously to express their desire that it might be banished from the earth, and the Christian religion be universally established. The school in the Christian village, which is noticed in another part of this account, is now named Mount Irwin school, and is 'regarded as the most prosperous of the three. From the commencement of the Mission, our brother has preached the Gospel to the heathen, generally with much encouragement and success, Several have been brought, through Divine grace, to repentance and faith in the Saviour. Numbers, from time to time, have made an open profession of Christianity, and received the rite of baptism. In 1824, a native Christian church was formed, consisting of 10 members; and, through the Divine blessing, this number has been since increased to 32. The congregation has varied between 150 and 500. In his itinerant labours, Mr. Howell has witnessed many proofs of the power of the Gospel to change and renovate the heart; and he is cheered with the belief that an impression in its favour has long been extensively operating among the people. While travelling through the country to diffuse the glad tidings of salvation, he has also been enabled to distribute a great many copies of the New Testament, and smaller portions of the Scriptures, in Teloogoo, together with vast numbers of Christian tracts in that language. During the celebration of the Hindoo festivals excellent opportunities have likewise occurred for the circulation of the Scriptures, and other religious books; thousands of which have been distributed on these occasions. The still larger issues at the station itself have been continued without interruption. In 1825, an attempt was made to form a Christian village in the neighbourhood of Cuddapah, which has been followed with complete success. Last year the village contained 132 inhabitants, of whom 98 are baptized; but in other previous years the population considerably exceeded this number. Each family subsists on the produce of its own labours. Some of the people are spinners, others weavers; some are employed in the manufacture of paper, and some in agricultural labour. A chapel was erected in the village in 1826, and in reference to this little community, the stated preaching of the Missionary has been attended with most gratifying results. To the means of usefulness employed at this station, Mr. Howell has materially contributed by his labours in translation. Among the books which he has translated into the Teloogoo, and which have been circulated in great numbers, the Pilgrim's Progress may be mentioned as having probably, next to the Scriptures, produced the greatest amount of benefit. A book entitled, "Criticisms on the Shasters," written some years ago by Mr. Howell, has also exerted a most salutary influence on the minds of many of the people. Mr. Howell has, for some years past, been engaged in revising the Teloogoo New Testament, and several books of the Old, and hopes shortly to bring these important labours to a close. There are two native Evangelists at Cuddapah, and three native readers, whose labours, Mr. Howell states, are of a valuable character; and from the devotedness, piety, and zeal at present manifested by them, he is led to expect that through their instrumentality, numbers of their countrymen will be brought to Christ, and united as living members to his spiritual body. Notwithstanding the long-continued efforts which have been made for the enlightenment and salvation of the people in this part of India, and the large amount of good which has been effected, there is still much in their condition to be lamented; and the obligation to greater exertion than has yet been made on their behalf is, in various ways, rendered painfully obvious. Mr. Howell, in a letter dated in April last, states, that he had recently visited the annual festival held at Cottapett, where thousands of heathens assemble for various purposes. "On these occasions,” he observes, "a few get themselves pierced in the back with iron hooks to atone for their sins. In speaking to one of them who had been engaged to undergo the operation for another, and on promising to give him the money he had agreed for, only half a rupee,* he willingly and gladly acceded to my request. I made the same offer to another, but his people prevented him from accepting it. Two of the readers, with Mr. Dawson and myself, were employed the whole day in reading tracts and conversing with the heathen on the absurdity of their superstitious practices, and of the necessity of embracing the offer of salvation through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ. had groups of men and women to hear us, and many heard us gladly." We The brethren in India are, however, gratified to perceive that the idolatrous festivals in India present many symptoms of decline, and have ceased to maintain any powerful hold on the minds of the people. Mr. Howell expresses his conviction that the influence of Christianity is much more felt than a casual observer, not having the power of comparing the present with the past, or holding only occasional intercourse with the people, would be able to detect; but various and complicated causes exist to account for the comparative infrequency of its external manifestation. It is consolatory to believe that many have embraced the Gospel with the heart, who are prevented by the fear of persecution and other motives, from making an open avowal of their sentiments; and the friends • A rupee is 2s. English. of the Redeemer will unite in fervent prayer, that all such persons may have grace given them publicly to profess his name, and no longer shrink from a visible connexion with his people; that by these and the other means employed, his kingdom may rapidly extend upon the earth, and all be brought to love, and serve, and obey him. The first page contains a view of the Mission station at Cuddapah. MISSION AT MALACCA. THE accounts received from this deeply interesting field of Missionary labour, since the arrival of the intelligence published in our number for February, are of the same gratifying kind with those it has been our privilege for a considerable time past to present at successive intervals to the friends of the Society. The appended report has been received by the Foreign Secretary from Messrs. Evans and Dyer, under date, Oct. 2. Besides the large amount of good accruing from the labours of the Mission in its immediate locality and throughout the Peninsula, of which this communication offers cheering and conclusive evidence, it will also be found fully to sustain the grateful hopes regarding China Proper which the former intelligence was calculated to inspire. As the day may not be distant when the Celestial Empire, from whose almost countless inhabitants the light and hope of the Gospel has been as yet all but totally excluded, shall unclose its gates to the preachers of the Cross, it is a cause of thankfulness to learn from the statements of our brethren that a number of holy and devoted men-men of the same nation and masters of its language-are ready to continue the work which they have already commenced at Malacca, by entering this great field and proclaiming to its perishing multitudes, that salvation whose blessings they have themselves been brought to experience and to love. These and other kindred subjects, among which will be noticed as of particular importance, the pleasing efforts begun at Malacca on behalf of the Chinese women there, whose condition has long called forth the regret and pity of the Missionaries, are adverted to in the report now offered for perusal. Preaching. During the last six months the three principal branches of Missionary labour, viz., preaching, education, and printing, have respectively shared our attention. Indeed, they engross our whole attention, unless we except the time occupied by our studies, and the objects upon which they bear. With respect to preaching, we have had many most delightful opportunities of publishing the glad tidings of "peace on earth, good-will towards men." And although there have been no very recent instances of the renunciation of idolatry, we are forcibly impressed with the conviction, that the knowledge of the truth is advancing among the heathen around us: and concerning many, we wait and long to see them believe on Him of whom they have now heard. Mission Schools. The work of education proceeds without any particular change since the last report; but with a most pleasing addition to the number of our schools, namely, a Chinese Printing-Distribution of Books. |