tianity. Yet we gain more and more influence over

BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. the people, partly by our teaching in the school, and

At Allahabad, the members of the mission family were well. There had been several cases of small-statistical account of the mixed population of that pox in the Girls' Orphan Asylum, but none had terminated fatally. The High School is represented as in a flourishing condition, and contains, at the present time, between five and six hundred pupils, most of whom are making satisfactory progress in their studies. The Lieutenant-Governor had recently testified his interest in the institution by sending a contribution of two hundred rupees towards its support.

Mr. Ullman, in speaking of the male school at Furrukhabad under his care, remarks: "The number of boys in it at present is 270. I would have a larger number, if I did not give religious instruction the first place, for there are many bigotted Mohammedans and Hindus here, who would send their We are under the painful necessity of announcing children if we said nothing about Christ and Chris- the death of Mrs. Janvier, the wife of the Rev. Levi

Janvier of Lodiana Mission. This painful, though
not unexpected event, occurred on the 5th of May
in the Simla, to which place her husband had taken
her a short time previously, in the hope that a change
of air would be beneficial. Her sickness had been
protracted and her sufferings at times had been very
great, but she died in tranquillity of mind, trusting
to the atoning merits of her Saviour. A more ex-secure his hearty approval.
tended account of her last hours will be given in a
future number of the Record.

disciples understood the command of the Saviour in
its true import, and like faithful and obedient ser-
vants, they devoted all their energies to the one great
object of preaching Christ, and him crucified, to all
mankind. The amazing success which attended their
labour, attests the fact that they rightly apprehended
the meaning of their Saviour, and were acting so as

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND FOR-
EIGN MISSIONS.

Are we, as a church and a people, as actively and extensively engaged in making known the Gospel among the heathen nations of the earth, as the Saviour requires and expects us to be? Do we come up to the spirit and example of the apostles and primitive Christians? Are we fulfilling, in this particular, the great object for which the church and the Christian ministry were instituted?

These are solemn and weighty questions, and they ought to be seriously pondered by all those who profess to be the friends and followers of the Lord Jesus. To Him alone, as the great Head of the Church, do we owe allegiance, and to Him alone, must we stand or fall in the great day of accounts. If we act in accordance with the spirit of his commands, so as to secure his approval, it matters very little what else we may be in this world, or in what light our conduct and character may be regarded by our fellow men.

But the command to preach the gospel to the des titute, was not more obligatory then than it is now, or one particle more binding upon primitive Christians than upon ourselves. The great facts of the case are the same now that they were then. Man is a miserable, ruined sinner, and he needs the pardoning grace of Christ as much now as he ever did. The heathen nations of the earth, at the present day, are involved in as deep and profound darkness as the Gentile world was in the days of the apostles; and without the light of the everlasting gospel they must for ever remain immured in this darkness. Sin has drawn its lines deep upon their characters, and nothing but the grace of God can obliterate its traces, or fit them for the society and kingdom of heaven. Jesus Christ is the only name given under heaven among men by whom they can be saved; but how shall the heathen nations of the earth "believe on him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent?"

It is obviously and undeniably the fact that the hopes of the heathen, both for time and eternity, are dependent upon their receiving the gospel. By its aid they may be emancipated from all their ignerance and corruption, and be fitted for heaven, Without it, they are doomed to unmitigated beathenism here, and so far as we understand the word of God, to irretrievable ruin hereafter. How me mentous and solemn the responsibility, therefore, that devolves upon us who are entrusted with the oracles of the living God! How fearful the account we must render of our stewardship in the day of judgment!

But what is his will touching this great matter? Most unquestionably that his gospel should be made known throughout the whole world. We think there is no point more clearly set forth in the teachings of our Saviour than this, and it cannot but be strikingly manifest, whether we reflect upon his own declarations and promises, the assurances that his kingdom is to become universal upon the earth, or the nature of the great work of atonement itself. But above all, his command to his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, But if the success which attended the preaching is too plain to be misapprehended. The provisions of the apostles and primitive Christians among the of salvation are sufficient for the whole human race, gentile nations of the earth be regarded as evidenc and it must be proclaimed everywhere. None of that they rightly apprehended the wishes of their the race are too obscure or too far off to be overlooked divine Master, equally may we appeal to the suc or neglected. The Gospel embodies the only remedy cess of modern missions as conclusive proof that for sin, therefore, it must be proclaimed among all this great enterprise is acknowledged and approved nations, and kindreds, and peoples, and tongues upon by our glorified Redeemer. Wherever that gospel the face of the whole earth. And we are assured has been preached in modern times, whether in upon divine authority, that as a consequence of this Africa, India, China, in the Isles of the sea, or universal proclamation of the Gospel, men shall come among the red men of America, there have been from the north and from the south, from the east multitudes of converts to the Christian faith, the and from the west, and sit down with Abraham, and genuineness of whose conversion we have no more Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. The reason to question than our own.

What clearer evidence could be given that this The Saviour, if we may judge by the signs of the work is of divine appointment? Every convert that times, is preparing the heathen world, in a manner has been gathered from these nations, is undeniable that has never perhaps been done before, for the proof that the Saviour has his elect among them, universal triumph of the Gospel. To this great and that in making known to them the everlasting work he is summoning all his hosts. This he has gospel, we are not engaged in a visionary or self-done not only by express command, but now even imposed work, but one which has been enjoined by more emphatically by his providence. the Saviour, and must be of binding force, until every human being on the face of the earth has heard of his precious name.

Is our Church, as such, awake to this great work? Are the abundant resources, which a benignant providence has conferred upon her, properly employed in putting forward this great cause? Is her compact and efficient organization made to bear with proper efficiency on this great enterprise?

INDIA: AGRA MISSION.

Nor is the duty imposed upon the Christian church, of spreading the Gospel over the whole world, an impracticable one. On the other hand, with the assurances of divine aid that is guarantied, we might We apprehend that but one answer can be given cheerfully gird up ourselves to the work, even if it to these questions, and that in condemnation of our were tenfold more stupendous. It appears formida-want of zeal and faithfulness. But this point we ble only when our faith fails to perceive the Al- shall consider more fully in a subsequent article. mighty hand by which it is sustained and carried forward. But however appalling the difficulties of this work may once have appeared, we of the present day have seen enough of the wonder-working providence of God, to realize that all of them, even the most formidable, will vanish ere long like chaff before the storm. Countries which, a few years ago, were almost beyond our reach, have, in the progress of commercial enterprise, been brought nearer to us than some portions of our own land. The barriers with whichc ertain pagan nations were surrounded a few years ago, as that of China for example, and which no doubt was a device of the adversary to keep out the light of the Gospel, have been so effectually broken down, that we are already beginning to forget that they ever existed.

Pagan and Mohammedan communities, as in Central and Northern India, which, a few years ago, would not tolerate the preaching of the Gospel under any circumstances, now listen to it with seriousness and interest. Systems of false religion, which once held multitudes of our fellow-men in hopeless bondage, are now relaxing their grasp, if they are not melting away before the light and power of the Gospel. Heathen minds, which seemed too debased to be raised much above the brute level, have, under the awakening power of the Gospel, evinced a degree of sprightliness and energy that was scarcely thought possible. Christian churches, in many places, are superseding heathen temples, and the love of God is taking possession of hearts that were once filled with the grossest impurities.

HINDU OMENS.

In the last number of the Record we published an account of certain superstitious notions of the Chinese, which were not much known to the world, but which undoubtedly exert an important influence in shaping the conduct and forming the character of that singular people. In the present number we publish another of a similar character, from the pen of Rev. Joseph Warren, on the Omens of the Hindus, which no doubt has equally as much to do in giving complexion to the character of this not less singular people, and will be read with interest.

Heathen nations are proverbial for their concealment, and especially in what relates to their superstitious notions. And yet these very notions form the true basis of their character, and, when known, will account for many things in their conduct and lives that would otherwise be perfectly anomalous. The missionary, in order to exert an influence over the minds of the people, must look into these secret springs of action; and the more knowledge he acquires in this connexion, the better will he be qualified for the discharge of his responsible duties.

These articles have another important bearing. They show that man, without the Bible, has no sure guide, and no solid foundation upon which to stand.

What steady purpose can be carried out, or solid Now by what means have these marvellous changes happiness enjoyed, when that happiness or purpose been brought about? Whence have arisen these is made to depend upon the involuntary twitchings precious tokens of good? Undoubtedly they have of a muscle, the singing of a bird, or the accidental been effected by the grace and providence of God. crossing of one's path by a frightened animal? A variety of human agencies undoubtedly have been And yet such is the bewildered condition of the employed, but there was a superintending providence that originated, and is giving direction to all, even the least of them. VOL. V.-18

heathen, that their peace is disturbed, and their strongest purpose unsettled, by the shaking of a leaf. And there is, and can be no alleviation for

their misery, until they are brought forth into the murdered prohibited castes, such as sweepers; and clear light of the Gospel.

Omens derived from the twitching of different parts

of the body.

many of them had become impious, and had disregarded the omens; and what could they expect but that Bhawáné should forsake them? They had for merly, in the time of their ancestors, offended her, All involuntary movements of different parts of and had been punished; and so they were now. the body, or nervous twitchings, are considered signs When asked how their forefathers had offended her, of coming events, worthy of the most serious atten- they said, that they used to leave all the bodies of tion. I have a small book, which I bought in Agra, those who were killed by them unburied, and she the sole subject of which is this kind of omen. It used to come after them, and dispose of them. They enters into a detailed account of what is foretold by did not know what she did with them; but they did the twitching or fluttering of every part of the body. know, that she had commanded them not to seek to For instance-if the right upper eyelid flutters, it learn what she did; and yet their imprudent and shows that good fortune is coming; the right under impious curiosity at one time got the better of them, eyelid, some one will be seen who will give pleasure. and some of them went back to see what she was If the right ear twitch, good news will be heard. about. They found her tossing the dead bodies up Generally, the left side being similarly affected, indi- in the air, and throwing them about as a cat does a cates the opposite of the right-but both sides to- mouse in play. She was very angry, and always gether intensify or multiply the thing indicated most afterward left them to dispose of the dead bodies. capriciously. I am told, by a very respectable na-This man said, that this was the first great evil that tive, that in the midst of any interesting conversa- had happened to their profession; and this brought tion, one person will exclaim: "There! my right on them by impertinence: but the great evil-the shoulder (or whatever part it may be) twitched;" ruin of their trade and religion-came from the neg and immediately the conversation will be dropped, lect of omens; because this.was a direct denial of and all present will join in a discussion as to what her power, and rejection of her authority. is meant by it; and they will offer their congratulations or condolence, as the case may require the one Omens of sight. or the other.

Some kinds bode

The omens related to sight are more numerous than those that address themselves to the hearing. Signs derived from the singing of birds. The voices of birds or animals are another class of Scarcely anything is seen that is not, in some particular circumstances, indicative of some future good omens. They are exceedingly numerous and intricate. One kind foretells good when heard on the or evil. I will give a few specimens under this head. Seeing a fox is, in all cases, lucky. A wig right, and evil on the left. Another kind reverses the rule. One kind, to be favourable, must be heard tail, seen on cow-dung, or standing on the back of in front; another, in the rear. an ox or cow, denotes coming prosperity; but to see only evil, in whatever situation heard. Some kinds the same bird on the first of any month, flying, is foretell good or evil, as the case may be, when heard unlucky for a year. If one see a jay on the day of from certain directions; and nothing if heard from the autumnal equinox, he will be very fortunateany other. The voices of some are omens only in will be kept safe from all the peculiar abominations of the age in which he lives. Whoever sees the certain months of the year; others signify different things in different months. Often a good omen of moon on the 19th day of the month Bhádon (n this kind is spoiled by the answering of a bird or slandered. My Munshi says, that whatever may be 1852, the 17th of September), will be sure to be beast of the same species from a different quarter; the case with other omens, this, at any rate, is tru and often one bird of a kind is not sufficient to con- In this country, there is very little doubt of this fact stitute an omen-there must be two or three. And and that they who do not see it, will also be slarif two are the number of voices desirable, one more will spoil all. Some require an absolute abandon-dered-probably they will be in other countries to ment of the design of the hearer; some a modifica- These are enough to illustrate this class. tion or delay; some may be counteracted by better or worse omens; and some may be expiated by offerings to the Brahmans, or to Lakhshmí, or to Bhawání-the Brahmans, however, taking care to secure the greater number of such offerings. This is the kind of omen that the Thugs seek for generally, when setting out on a murdering expedition. They go out from the village about half a mile, and pray to Bhawání: “Ọ Kálí, if thou wilt give us success in our undertaking, grant the omen from the right." And then, if they hear the voice of an animal or bird, of the kind required, on the right before the left, they conclude that they have her blessing. The omens which they regard are somewhat, though not radically, different to those regarded by the common people. They seem, however, to excel all others in the undoubting confidence they repose in them. A noted Thug was being examined by the judicial officers, and was asked why it was, if they were so especially under the protection of Kálí, that she permitted them to be discovered, their secrets learned, their gangs broken up, and numbers of them capitally convicted? The reply was, that they had grown covetous, and had

Omens connected with travelling, journeys, etc. Nearly related to the above are some omens that particularly bear upon setting out from one's house, on any journey or business. These are exceedingli numerous. I can give but a small part of whatl have noted. One condition of these omens is, that they must occur before the person has proceeded forty steps from his door; otherwise they are of force for good or evil. If within this distance on meet a person carrying fish, buttermilk, grain, veg tables, or sweetmeats, the omen is good. If he mes women singing or dancing, he may go on singing | for joy, too. If he meet a married woman, espe cially if she have a child in her arms, he will proe per. If he meet a Brahman, washed clean, with s book under his arm; or a bad woman; or a des body; or a bride, being carried to her husband's house, crying; or a washerwoman, with cleas clothes; he will be fortunate. But if he meet a widow; or a man with his head uncovered; or a csi coming towards him, or crossing the road before him; or a bundle of soiled clothes; or a bride nos crying; he must go back and wait a while, and then set out again. So he must if any person before him

sneezes; or if he do the same himself; or if his ear itch. If any one call a washerwoman, or speak of a washerwoman in his hearing, before he has reached the prescribed distance, he must go back and begin again. I have heard an amusing story here, of a Mohammedan officer of government, of some eminence a very highly flattered man amongst the natives-who was kept at home nearly all day by some mischievous boys, who stationed themselves here and there in the street near his door, and called out to each other something about a washerwoman whenever he came out. As often as this happened he went back and smoked, or drank water, or washed his mouth, and took a fresh departure. It was essential for him to go to his office; and at last he effected his object by hiring people to drive away the boys, and watching his opportunity to make a rush of forty steps before he could be interrupted again. These boys were naughty-and naughty boys ought to be whipped, of course; but, had I seen it, I could not have found in myself the heart to do it. If the poor man had happened to see cats fighting when he was within forty steps of his door, he must have gone back, and not have gone to his office that day, be the consequences what they might -this is one of the very worst of omens. On the other hand, a dog carrying a bone would have encouraged him greatly; because, as the dog would be happy with his bone, so he too might hope for happiness. If he were to see a lizard fall from any height to the ground, it would give him hope of good luck; though the rationale of this omen is not so easily understood. But omens do not often appear to have any rationale at all. At such times the itching of any part of the body, save the ear, is lucky; so is rain falling, except in large quantity-which requires a delay of seven days; and so is a cow, ox, calf, peacock, jay, or squirrel, voiding excrement. These people are, indeed, very bountifully provided with means of guessing at the future.

There are some animals and birds whose voices are good omens, while seeing them is bad-such as the got (a large kind of lizard), the kite, the owl, the tortoise, and the wolf.

elephant's head, the beholder will obtain money, rank, or pleasure. If we see them on a kitchen or storeroom, we may look for exemption from sickness. If one should see an eagle sitting on a large snake, he would become a king, or, at least, very rich. If one be seen on the Peepul tree (ficus religiosus), or on thorny trees, or on ashes, or on a grain-parcher's house, or on a ruin, the beholder may look out for sickness, unaccountable quarrels, poverty, enmity of relatives, labour, sorrow, and probably imprisonment. Dig in the place where you see one vomit, or roll himself in the dust, and you will find buried treasure. In case of good omens by eagles, it is proper to burn an offering of clarified butter and sweet spices before an image of Shiw, to hasten the good; and after bad omens of this kind employ a Brahman to perform expiatory services for seven days, to avert the evil. In regard to eagles, also, I must say, that many of the omens refer to such indelicate matters, that they cannot be recounted.

Miscellaneous omens.

If a person be about to do anything, and accidentally hear another saying that he would do it if able, or intends to do it at some time, or in any way commending such a scheme, it is to be taken as one of the best of omens.

of any month is bad; it denotes great sickness. In Seeing a halo round the moon in the first half the last half of any month it foretells rain.

about to sleep, is a great matter. Sleeping with the The direction in which one places his head when head towards the east, brings riches and exaltation; towards the south, long life; towards the west, many dreams; towards the north, nothing. On a journey, always sleep with the head to the westward, and you will get home soon.

Omens connected with the birth of twins.

If twins are born in a family, it is not considered good, independent of the trouble and expense which they entail. Monstrous births must be expiated, by a Brahman hired for the purpose, on behalf of government; though no expiation can avert the threatened evil from the parents. If a woman's first child Omens connected with seeing snakes. be a girl born in the month Pús, (part of January Snakes, as might be expected in the case of so conceal her face from every person for twelve years, and February,) it is a very bad omen; she must dangerous a reptile, are prolific in omens. If a person meet one on going out, and within forty steps of his own door, it is a very good omen; if he jump over the snake, it makes his prosperity in his present undertaking certain; if he he obliged to turn back, or go out of his way, to avoid been bitten, the good omen of meeting with it is nullified. If, when a man is asleep, a snake come and look at him, and raises up its head, and oscillate it over the man's head, but do him no harm, the man will become a king-or, at least, a very powerful and great personage. Some other things in my notes about snakes are too indelicate to be detailed.

and given to the Brahmans. A native gentleman or a gold image of mother and child must be made told me that his brother made this gift, when this bad omen happened in his house; though the images must have been very small, as they only cost him twelve rupees [$5.75.]

at a birth; when elephants, tigers, and some other When horned animals have more than one young animals have young in certain specified months, or in particular circumstances, varying in the case of each kind of animal, the young, or gold effigies of them, must be given to the Brahmans, or something There are very Many omens are drawn from lizards. Their fall- terrible will happen to the owners. ng from the roof of the house upon one's person is many of these things, the Brahmans having taken generally an indication of good; but the omens are Hindu does, or that happens to him, a source of procare to make this, as well as everything else that a Darticular for every separate day of the month, and fit to themselves. To this class may be added a or every different part of the body. When they all on the head, on lucky days, they denote sove-great many notions relating to lucky and unlucky eignty or great power; on the neck, love and friend- numbers. For instance, it is very unlucky to own hip, &c. Their creeping upon one from the floor is ad.

The eagle, a bird of omen. Eagles afford many omens. If one be seen flying owards the rising sun, or the north, or sitting on an

one goat, three elephants, seven horses, &c. It is well to give one to the Brahmans, or to buy one from them, to change the bad luck to good.

It will be seen that most of the things detailed above are the omens observed by Hindus; but it should be understood that when they do not directly