BARRASS.-Elizabeth Barrass, mother of Rev. T. Barrass, of Peterborough, was born at Market Bosworth, Feb. 12, 1799. She was the only surviving daughter of Thomas and Mary Hubbard. As her parents removed to Barlestone, she was sent when very young to the Baptist Sabbath school in that village, and ultimately became a teacher. Prayers offered up specially for the "younger teachers" often impressed her, but her fondness for worldly company and pleasures drove those impressions away. A sermon by the late Mr. Orton, of Hugglescote, on "Joseph sold by his brethren," much affected her, but she was drawn aside by the foolish habit of "dancing." This was her besetting sin. It led her into improper society, and at unreasonable hours. At length she resolved to renounce for ever a practice so fraught with danger to body and soul. Once, under peculiar circumstances, she broke her resolve, but afterward remained stedfast. In the year 1821 a sermon by the late Mr. John Green from Matt. xi. 23, 24, wrought upon her so powerfully that for several days and nights she could not rest. Her sins "stared her in the face, and she was afraid she could never be forgiven;" but a discourse from a stranger on Heb. vi. 19, afforded her so much consolation that she expressed a wish that this should be the text for her funeral sermon. Her soul was now set free, and she was enabled to rejoice in Christ Jesus. Baptized at Barton, Sep. 2, 1821, she records that this day of public dedication was 66 one of the happiest days of her life." Henceforth attendance at God's house was her delight. In 1822 she had the unspeakable happiness of directing her afflicted mother to the Saviour, and of knowing that she died in the Lord. On May 25, 1824, she was married to R. Barrass, a pious young man, with whom she lived happily; but at the end of four years and three months, after a short and severe affliction, he "departed this life," leaving her with two sons, in addition to which a daughter was born thirteen weeks afterward. These heavy trials bore her down, and not until after severe mental struggles, and much reading of the scriptures, could she say from the heart, "Thy will be done." Then she cast her burden upon the Lord, and He sustained her. Some time after her father died, and she herself was afflicted for a long period, and was not expected to live; but the Lord had mercy on her, and on her fatherless children, and restored her to health. On one occasion she was speaking to a good

old woman about her doubts and fears, when the aged Christian replied, "I have my fears, too; I often think I have not got a farthing's worth of grace, but I would not give up my little hope in Christ for all the world." She felt she could say likewise; and so the aged and youthful disciple were comforted together. She was greatly rejoiced when her elder son entered the Christian ministry, and often gave him suitable and profitable advice. In 1857 she removed to Grantham, where her daughter was soon after married to the Rev. H. Watts, pastor of the Baptist church in that town. She went with them to Golcar, in Yorkshire, where "she hoped to be useful." The following testimony was borne by her, "I can truly say that the Lord has been better to me than all my fears. Many times the ways of providence have been mysterious, but the Judge of all the earth has done right. My earnest prayer is that while life shall last I may live to His glory, and when I am called hence that I may be taken to dwell with those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. I can think of many now in heaven who were very dear to me when on earth, and

She

hope when I have finished my course on earth I shall be with them for ever." was delighted to hear that her younger son was converted, and her many prayers for him answered. Six years ago she was seized with her first paralytic stroke; from that time her health gave way, and with successive strokes, at lengthened intervals, she became the subject of many infirmities, and of frequent melancholy. She removed with her daughter to Stanningley, near Leeds, in the year 1865, and remained there until her death. At times light would break in upon her soul, and then it was joyous to see her; but at other times her doubts and fears were most distressing. But amid all her gloom her attachment to the house of God was as great as ever, and she went to the very last. Jan. 23, 1870, she heard her last sermon from, "Lord, behold he whom thou lovest is sick." This discourse seemed to meet her case, and she wished to go into the prayer meeting after, but was not able. On the next morning she was seized with a most severe stroke, which deprived her of the use of the greater part of her body, and affected her speech; but her soul was in peace. Jan. 31st was the last day she spent on earth. At intervals friends read and prayed with her, and she wept for joy. Just before she died, when her eye sight seemed to be gone, her son-in-law said,

On

"Do you know me?" She faintly replied, "Yes." "Do you know Jesus?" This appeal roused her, and she replied with a joyful countenance, "I do." He then said, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear;'

and asked, 66 Is His name sweet to you now?" She whispered, "Yes." Prayer was again offered at her request, and in a few moments she left a world of suffering to join those who "through faith and patience inherit the promises.

GRAY.-Thomas Gray died at Wisbech, Dec. 24, 1869. He was for thirty years an esteemed member of the G. B. church in this town; a godly and faithful man, whose life and death beautifully illustrated the reality and value of the religion of Christ. His conversion took place at the age of twenty-two. He was baptized in Oct., 1839. Ever since that time his Christian character manifestly grew. From year to year he maintained a consistent, honourable, and useful connection with the church. Never a source of weakness, but always a source of strength and comfort to the community to which he belonged, his death is felt to be a great loss. He was one of those church members whose sterling piety, consistent conduct in social, business, or public life, unfailing attendance at every Sabbath and week-day service, readiness to take part in meetings for prayer, willingness to share the burden of church work and responsibility, and deep and unchanging interest in the welfare of the Redeemer's kingdom, are the strongest pillars in the spiritual fabric. He gave to the church what she so greatly needs: the support of a holy and blameless life. His virtues were quiet and passive, rather than active and energetic. His influence for good arose rather from what he was, than from what he said or did. It is felt by his fellow-members that their departed friend I could not have served the interests of the church more effectively than by his excellent Christian character. And they desire that the mantle of his piety and faithfulness may fall on them, knowing that such a character is the basis of all usefulness; and that without it no activity, however zealous, can glorify God. The most prominent traits in Mr. Gray's character were a temperateness in all things, which prevented his good being "evil spoken of;" a humility which did not recognize itself and make itself conspicuous by self-depreciation; an equanimity, and a holy sober cheerfulness. The fruits of a godly life were manifest when death drew near. Such was the peculiar and distressing nature of the malady which terminated the life of our friend, that death was known to bé inevitable for months before its actual occurWhen apprised of the fact that he "must die" he was "not afraid with any

rence.

amazement." He said to a friend imme. diately after he had received this solemn intelligence, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." He had lived to Christ, and had felt that to live to Him was gain, and therefore that death would be gain also. He enjoyed, as the result of a life-long piety, and growth in grace, the peaceable fruits of righteousness in the "time of need." The words of the ancient promise were fulfilled to him: "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting-places." He had "the full assurance of understanding," "the full assurance of faith," "the full assurance of hope to the end." W. E. WINKS.

BARRACLOUGH.-Jan. 26, suddenly, aged 70, Mr. Isaac Barraclough. He was a native of Sheffield, but having come to reside in Derby, he was induced, about twenty years ago, to attend the ministry of the late Rev. J. G. Pike, and soon after became a humble and consistent member of the Baptist church, St. Mary's Gate, and was chosen conductor of the choir, which office he held until age and infirmity compelled him to resign. His affability caused him to be eminently successful in promoting unity and harmony among those under his leadership; indeed, such was his amiability of deportment, that he won the esteem of both pastor and people. Having considerable taste for sacred music, his adaptation of proper tunes to suitable hymns was admirable. As a composer, many of his tunes for devotional and congregational singing deserve to be classed with those of our best writers of psalmody.

CHEATLE.-Feb. 24, in his 80th year, Rev. George Cheatle, who for more than fifty years sustained the pastorate of the G. B. church, Lombard Street, Birmingham, and was senior pastor until his death, having been minister of the same church over sixty years, although for some time past he was laid aside from actual labour.

SHARPE.-March 5, at Tenby, South Wales, after a short illness, Charlotte, the beloved wife of Mr. Edmund Sharpe, of Swadlincote, and fourth daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Balm, of Quorndon, Leicestershire. Aged 54. Deeply lamented by a large circle of friends.

ATKINSON.-March 19, at the residence of her father, Mr. R. Wheen, of Sheffield, Emily, the dearly beloved wife of the Rev. J. H. Atkinson, of Hitchin, Herts, aged 27 years.

EDWARDS.-Dec. 29, Mr. Thos. Edwards, Bilbie Street, Nottingham, aged 60 years.

VISIT TO THE AMERICAN MISSION IN NORTH ORISSA.

BY REV. T. BAILEY.

AT our last Conference the brethren were good enough to appoint me their delegate to the half-yearly convention of the American Mission in Northern Orissa. A pressure of work at the time rendered it inconvenient for me to fulfil the appointment at their meeting immediately following, but circumstances were more favourable toward the close of the year, and arrangements were made accordingly. The Native Auxiliary Missionary Society kindly allowed their agent, Shem Sahu, to accompany me, and we were joined by Khumbo Naik, who had been suffering for some months from illness, about which he was anxious to consult Dr. Bacheler. The weather being favourable, we were able to visit all the stations of this, our sister mission, and if a short account of what we saw and heard should be the means of communicating any portion of the pleasure and gratitude we experienced, the effort will be amply repaid. It was a privilege I prized very highly to meet with honoured brethren and sisters whose names have been associated for many years with the cause of Christ in Orissa, and to speak a word of encouragement to those who through their instrumentality have been turned from "dumb idols" to serve the living God.

I arrived at Balasore early on Sunday morning, Oct. 31st, and was cordially welcomed by brother and sister Smith. It was my privilege to be their guest eight years ago when travelling down from Calcutta to Cuttack, and it was a special pleasure, after so long an interval, to renew acquaintance with them. Brother and sister Hallam, and the widow of the late Rev. A. Miller, are also stationed here. The native church contains forty-four members. There are two native ministers, Komala Naik and Caleb. Also a boys' school under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, containing fortynine famine orphan boys and others from other sources. They look intelligent and well cared for. Nearly all are taught useful trades, and spend a portion of each day in school. The European residents are well disposed toward the mis

sion, and no difficulty is experienced in finding employment for converts if in other respects they are industrious and capable. A commencement has been made in the zenanas of the town, no less than six of which are regularly visited, though for a long time every door was closed. As all the mission party were expecting to attend the Conference, and so be absent from the station for a time, it was feared that former prejudices might regain their sway, and these valuable openings for usefulness be closed again; but an earnest Christian lady, many years resident in the country, and a near relative of one of the warmest friends of our own Mission, volunteered to supply the deficiency-a circumstance which I thought very gratifying. Monday evening we went to weep a tear over poor Dunai's grave. It will be remembered that our brother was seized by cholera and suddenly came to his end here about a year ago. His remains have been laid by the side of Bhikari Naik, a native brother whose death is also referred to in last year's report. It is a quiet and secluded spot, and well fitted to be the last resting place of the dust of dear departed friends.

On

Nov. 3, in the morning, I arrived at Jellasore, where our worthy sister, Miss Crawford, is the only resident missionary, though the station is visited once a week by brother Phillips, sen., from Santipore. Our sister is looking thin and paler than when I saw her last; but though faint is “pursuing,” with no apparent diminution of zeal and enthusiasm, her loved labours. There are 136 orphan girls under her care, most of them from the famine; every arrangement is made for their comfort, education, and general training, and the whole establishment is conducted with great care and efficiency. A more intelligent or well-conducted number of girls it would be difficult to meet with. A large proportion have, it is believed, been savingly converted to Christ. There are two native ministers here, Silas Curtis and Dinanath. The latter is from Bengal, and the former is entirely supported by native funds, at the request of the friends themselves. The village and chapel are conveniently situated, and the location is described as remarkably healthy.

I travelled on with brother Smith in the afternoon to Santipore, about seven miles distant, and across the country. Here the Conference was to be held. It was quite dark when we arrived, but a number of friends had preceded us, and others came in on the morrow, till we mustered a large and genial party.

The location here consists of the mission bungalow, christian village, chapel, and school-house, with a large farm of fine rice-growing land some 300 acres in extent. The latter was taken up some years ago by Dr. Phillips, and was then of little worth; but good roads, and means of irrigation skilfully applied, have converted it into a valuable property. It was originally taken in his own name, but has recently been made over to the missionary society, though the transfer was bitterly opposed by the native zemindar. It is conveniently situated on the borders of the Santal country-there is, indeed, a small Santal village within its boundaries-and is nearly equi-distant from Balasore and Midnapore, the two best established stations in the mission. It altogether forms a noble testimony to the devotion, skill, and self-denying industry of the honoured friends who have so long made the place their home.

The party now comprised the whole of the American missionaries, ourselves, a christian gentleman with his wife from Midnapore, and the Rev. L. Skrefsrüd, missionary to the Santals, a zealous and learned Norwegian brother from Ebenezer, near Rampore Haut, who contributed greatly to the interest of the occasion. There were also a large number of native delegates from the different churches, and such other native christians as were able to attend.

The public services commenced on Thursday, evening, Nov. 4, when a sermon in Oriya was preached by your correspondent from Ezekiel xxxvi. 37, 38, "Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them," &c. On the following evening another sermon in Oriya-eloquent and appropriate-was preached by Shem Sahu, from "Go ye into all the world," &c. This was followed by another-also able and excellent-on Saturday evening, by Komala Naik, from 1 John iv. 19, "We love Him because He first loved us." On Sunday morning the Rev. E. C. B. Hallam preached the Conference sermon in

Oriya from Neh. iv. 6, on which he founded a convincing and eloquent appeal to the native christians present for the formation of self-sustaining aggressive christian churches wholly independent of foreign aid. In the afternoon the Lord's Supper was administered by the Rev. J. Phillips and Shem Sahu, and was a sweet and refreshing season. In the evening I preached in English from Acts xxvi. 16-18.

In addition to the above, other sermons and addresses were delivered in Oriya, Bengali, Santali, and English, interspersed with devotional exercises and out-door preaching to the Hindoos who had collected from long distances to witness the novel spectacle.

Many of

the latter, very much to our gratification, were also present at the indoor services, which were extremely well attended throughout.

During the sittings of Conference a large amount of important business was done relating mainly to the internal affairs of the mission; a few items only can be indicated here. Twelve candidates had been baptized since the last half yearly meeting. The students and other agents of the mission were examined, with results creditable to all concerned. The journals of some of the latter showed a large amount of itineracy to have been done. All the churches contribute liberally of their worldly means, in most cases recognizing the obligation to consecrate a tenth of their substance to the Lord. A resolution was adopted to enter more vigorously into the Santal part of the work, and brother J. L. Phillips was requested to hold himself prepared to confine his labours exclusively to this interesting part of the field. A resolution was also adopted engaging the services of an additional native preacher, a young brother, well spoken of, from the Rev. G. Pearce's institution at Intally. Dr. Bacheler was requested to prepare a new and enlarged edition of his admirable little medical manual in Oriya, and to add thereto a treatise on midwifery, which is greatly needed by our native christian communities, and even more so by the heathen Hindoos. A spirit of holy fervour, and of great goodwill, pervaded the whole of the meetings-they were, to most of us, seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.

From Santipore I paid a short visit to Midnapore, the most recently occupied

station in the mission, brethren Bacheler and Phillips, jun., commencing to labour here on their return from America seven years ago. The results, up to the present, have been very cheering—eight respectable families have renounced idolatry in the neighbourhood, a church has been formed, a chapel built, schools commenced for both Oriyas and Santals, gratifying progress has been made in zenana labours, no less than forty families being regularly visited. A printing press has also been established, and a degree of energy and ability is displayed in the management of affairs which augurs well for the future; nor is it more than just to add that the efforts of the brethren are nobly seconded by the sisters of the mission, Mrs. Bacheler, Mrs. and Miss Phillips, the latter more especially engaged in zenana labours.

I returned to Cuttack, having formed a high estimate of the singleness of purpose and great practical ability of the missionaries of the Northern Orissa Mission. May yet more enlarged success be granted to them, and to all like faithful labourers for Christ in all parts of the world.

A TRIO OF WORTHIES. (Concluded from page 96.) THE missionaries gave their first attention to the printing office. The press brought from Mudnabatty was set up, and the types arranged. Excepting two books of the Old Testament, the whole Bible had already been translated into Bengallee. They determined to begin with the printing of the New Testament. Mr. Ward set the first types with his own hands, and presented the first sheet of the Testament to Mr. Carey on the 18th of March, 1800. It was a time of mutual exultation.

On 1st of May Mr. and Mrs. Marshman opened two boarding schools to assist in the support of the mission, which added 100 rupees the first month to their slender resources, and before the close of the year 300 rupees a month. These schools, under their able management, became both popular and remunerative, and were, in fact, the mainstay of the mission. It is mentioned that a few years after (1811) Mr. and Mrs. Marshman were in the receipt of a clear income of £2000 a year from the school, of which they reserved only about £100 for the contingent expenses of the family,

and threw the remainder into the general funds of the mission, dining at one common table with the other missionaries.

The expenses of the press soon absorbed the available funds of the missionaries, and before the year was half gone they were crippled for means to carry on their labours. They adopted the hazardous experiment of appealing to the British public of Calcutta for help towards the printing of the Bengallee Scriptures. As soon as Lord Wellesley heard of it he was alarmed. His first impulse was to write to the Danish authorities on the subject, and require the immediate suppression of the press; but on second thought he determined to consult the Rev. David Brown, the chaplain of the station, and a friend of the missionaries. Lord Wellesley told Mr. Brown he was personally favourable to the conversion of the heathen, but inquired whether it would be safe to circulate the Bible, which taught the doctrine of christian equality without the safeguard of a commentary. Mr. Brown replied that he himself would be answerable for all the mischief the Bible might do in India, and further urged that the Bengallee New Testament would be of great use in the college of Fort William, which Lord Wellesley was about to establish. Thus the work was allowed to proceed, and the appeal produced about 1500 rupees. Lord Wellesley did not again interfere with the missionaries at Serampore, being satisfied that they scrupulously abstained from intermeddling with political questions, and sought only the good of the heathen.

On Nov. 25, Fakeer came before the church at Serampore, and offered to make an open profession of christianity. This was the first native, after seven years' toil, that had ventured to make such an avowal. Mr. Ward says-" We all stood up, and sang with new feelings, Praise God,' &c."

On this day Mr. Thomas was called to set the arm of a native in Serampore. After the operation he talked to the man about the folly of idolatry and the superiority of the christian revelation. He appeared to be deeply affected, and shed tears. His name was Krishnu, a carpenter by trade. Fakeer went away, and was never heard of again, but Krishnu gave every evidence of sincerity. One evening, he, his wife and daughter, and his brother Goluk, came before the church to relate the steps of their con