with much attention; and though their exclusion is tantamount to excluding all moral instruction from their schools, the Hindoo sacred writings having nothing of the kind, and, if they had, being shut up from the majority of the people by the double fence of a dead language, and an actual prohibition to read

employers, their temperance, and (wherever they are found) their humanity, and gentleness of disposition, appear to arise exclusively from a natural happy temperament, from an honourable pride in their own renown, and the renown of their ancestors; and from the goodness of God who seems unwilling that his image should be entirely defac-them, as too holy for common eyes ed, even in the midst of the gross

est error.

SCHOOLS IN INDIA.

or ears. The defects of the latter will appear, when I have told you that the actual state of Hindoo and Mussulman literature, mutatis mutandis, very nearly resembles what the liter

As an useful auxiliary to the mis-ature of Europe was before the time sionaries, the establishment of ele mentary schools for the lower classes and for females, is going on to a very great extent, and might be carried to any conceivable extent, to which our pecuniary means would carry us. Nor is there any measure from which I anticipate more speedy benefit than the elevation of the rising generation of females to their natural rank in society, and giving them, (which is all that, in any of our schools, we as yet venture to give,) the lessons of general morality extracted from the Gospel, without any direct religious instruction. These schools, such of them at least as I have any concern with, are carried on without any help from government. Government has, however, been very liberal in its grants, both to a Society for National Education, and in the institution and support of two Colleges of Hindoo students of riper age, the one at Benares, the other at Calcutta. But I do not think any of these Institutions, in the way after which they are at present conducted, likely to do much good. In the elementary schools supported by the former, through a very causeless and ridiculous fear of giving offence to the natives, they have forbidden the use of the Scriptures or any extracts from them, though the moral lessons of the Gospel are read by all Hindoos who can get hold of them, without scruple, and

of Galileo, Copernicus, and Bacon. The Mussulmans take their logic from Aristotle, filtered through many successive translations and commentaries; and their metaphysical system is professedly derived from Plato, ("Filatoun.") The Hindoos have systems not very dissimilar from these, though, I am told, of greater length, and more intricacy; but the studies in which they spend most of their time, are the acquisition of the Sanscrit, and the endless refinements of its grammar, prosody, and poetry. Both have the same Natural Philosophy, which is also that of Aristotle in Zoology and Botany, and Ptolemy in Astronomy, for which the Hindoos have forsaken their more ancient notions of the seven seas, the six earths, and the flat base of Padalon, supported on the back of a tortoise. By the science which they now possess, they are some of them able to foretell an eclipse, or compose an almanac; and many of them derive some little pecuniary advantage from pretensions to judicial astrology. In medicine and chemistry they are just sufficiently advanced to talk of substances being moist, dry, hot, &c. in the third or fourth degree; to dissuade from letting blood, or physicking, on a Tuesday, or under a particular aspect of the heavens, and to be eager in their pursuit of the philosopher's stone, and the elixir of immortality.

In Benares, however, I found in | ciently zealous, to do all which their the institution supported by govern- ancestors have done; and that there ment, a professor lecturing on as- are very few structures here which tronomy after the system of Ptolemy can, on any satisfactory grounds, and Albunazar, while one of the be referred to a date so early as the most forward boys was at the pains greater part of our own cathedrals. of casting my horoscope; and the Often in upper Hindoostan, and majority of the school were toiling still more frequently in Rajpootana at Sanscrit grammar. And yet the and Malwah, I have met with new day before, in the same holy city, and unfinished shrines, cisterns, I had visited another college, found- and gháts, as beautifully carved, ed lately by a wealthy Hindoo and as well proportioned as the banker, and intrusted by him to the best of those of an earlier date. management of the Church Mis- And though there are many buildsionary Society, in which, besides ings and ruins which exhibit a most a grammatical knowledge of the venerable appearance, there are Hindoostanee language, as well as several causes in this country which Persian and Arabic, the senior boys produce this appearance prematurecould pass a good examination in ly. In the first instance, we ourEnglish grammar, in Hume's His- selves have a complex impression tory of England, Joyce's Scientific made on us by the sight of edifices Dialogues, the use of the globes, so distant from our own country, and the principal facts and moral and so unlike whatever we have precepts of the Gospel, most of seen there. We multiply, as it them writing beautifully in the Per- were, the geographical and moral sian, and very tolerably in the Eng-distance into the chronological, and lish character, and excelling most can hardly persuade ourselves that boys I have met with in the accu- we are contemporaries with an obracy and readiness of their arith-ject so far removed in every other metic.

HINDOO ANTIQUITIES.

respect. Besides this, however, the finest masonry in these climates is sorely tried by the alternate influence of a pulverizing sun, and a continued three months' rain. During my long journey through The wild fig tree, (peepul or ficus the northern half of this vast coun-religiosa,) which no Hindoo can try, I have paid all the attention I root out, or even lop without a could spare to a topic on which deadly sin, soon sows its seeds, and Schlegel bitterly reproves the Eng- fixes its roots in the joints of the lish for their inattention to, the arching, and being of rapid growth architectural antiquities of Hindos- at the same time, in a very few tan. I had myself heard much of years increases its picturesque and these before I set out, and met with antique appearance, and secures its many persons both in Europe and eventual destruction; lastly, no at Calcutta (where nothing of the man, in this country, repairs or kind exists) who spoke of the pre- completes what his father has besent natives of India as a degener- gun, preferring to begin something ate race, whose inability to rear else, by which his own name may such splendid piles was a proof that be remembered. Accordingly, in these last belong to a remote antiq- Dacca are many fine ruins, which uity. I have seen, however, at first impressed me with a great enough to convince me, both that idea of their age. Yet, Dacca is a the Indian masons and architects modern city, founded, or at least of the present day only want pat- raised from insignificance under rons sufficiently wealthy, or suffi-Shah Jehanguire in A. D. 1608;

and the tradition of the place is, that these fine buildings were erected by European architects in the service of the then governor. At Benares, the principal temple has an appearance so venerable, that one might suppose it to have stood unaltered ever since the Greta Yug, and that Menu and Capila had performed austerities within its precincts. Yet it is historically certain that all the Hindoo temples of consequence in Benares were pulled down by Aurangzebe, the contemporary of Charles the second, and that the present structure must have been raised since that time. The observatories of Benares, Delhi, and Jyepoor, I heard spoken of in the carelessness of conversation, not only as extremely curious in themselves, (which they certainly are,) but as monuments of the ancient science

of the Hindoos. All three, however, are known to be the work of the Rajah Jye Singh, who died in 1742.

A remote antiquity is, with better reason, claimed for some idols of black stone, and elegant columns of the same material, which have been collected in different parts of the districts of Rhotas, Bulnem, &c. These belong to the religion of a sect (the Buddhists) of which no remains are now found in those provinces. But I have myself seen images exactly similar in the newlyerected temples of the Jains, a sect of the Buddhists, still wealthy and numerous in Guzerât, Rajpootana, and Malwah; and in a country where there is literally no history, it is impossible to say how long since or how lately they may have lost their ground in the more eastern parts of Gundwana.

MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENGLISH BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY, HELD IN LONDON, JUNE 17, 1828.

At six in the evening, a very numerous and respectable congregation assembled at Surrey Chapel, when a very lively and appropriate discourse was delivered by the Rev. Isaiah Birt, late of Birmingham, from Eph. ii. 21. "In whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." Mr. B. introduced the sermon by referring to the important principles universally recognized in the Gospel ministry, and to the great objects which it is designed to promote, namely, the conversion of sinners to God, and their preparation in his church on earth for his heavenly kingdom. The metaphors

The services connected with another Anniversary of the Society having closed, we sit down to communicate the best account of them in our power; happy that we can employ, with reference to this Annual Meeting, the language of grateful satisfaction, with quite as much propriety as on any former occasion Rev. Wm. Yates, from Calcutta, preached in the chapel in John-st. from Rom. i. 28. His discourse was eminently perspicuous and simple, affording a comprehensive and affecting view of the character and influence of idolatry in general, and of the Hindoo superstition in particular. The influence which the ignorance and immorality of the heath-employed in Holy Scripture to illusen should exert in our minds, formed the subject of the latter part of this admirable sermon.

trate the nature of the church of Christ were then briefly adverted to, and the figure contained in the text

11

At 11 o'clock, the Annual Meeting of this Society was held at Spa Fields Chapel, which was filled with a numerous and respectable audito

After singing and prayer by the Rev. Joseph Kinghorn, of Norwich, the Report was read by the Secretary, in which were many deeply interesting details of the Society's operations, and the success that has attended them; after which an abstract of the cash account for the past year was read by the Chairman.

thus submitted to investigation. || in his hand." Prayers and interThe preacher noticed, First, the cessions, with thanksgivings, were materials of which the building is offered by the Rev. James Cuttress, composed; Secondly, its basis, and of Ridgmount, P. J. Saffery, of Salthe plan of its erection; Thirdly, isbury, and D. Clarabut, of Tring. the means, instruments, and agency employed in its construction; Fourthly, the end for which the edifice is reared; and, lastly, the personal application of which the sub-ry before the business began. ject is susceptible. Under the first head, a series of highly interesting remarks were made on the component parts of this building. Their value was estimated; the comprehension of angels and redeemed men in one society alluded to; the diversity that obtains in respect of nation and rank in life; external circumstances and mental endowments were mentioned; and a reference, On this occasion Rev. Dr. Cox in passing, was made to the grada- observed-Of late years, we have tions in the angelic scale of being. heard much about the march of inThe number of living stones, their tellect; but I feel a much higher unpromising origin and natural gratification in tracing the march of character contributed to render the holy love, in the progress of misremarks on the first division of the sions. I cannot help, indeed, being subject alike ample and impressive. delighted with the march of intelIn referring to the basis and the lect, with the progress of knowledge plan of the building, the suitable- and general improvement; but this ness and sufficiency of Jesus Christ is nothing to the advancement of as the foundation and the chief cor- benevolent and pious exercises, the ner stone, formed matter of pleas- progress of holy love. We have urable enlargement, while the re- been frequently reminded, too, of flection of the Saviour's glories on the progress and power of public the part of his redeemed, conferred opinion, and it has accomplished the most delightful interest on this much; but I am far more delightsection of the discourse. The means, ed to hear of the progress and power instruments, and agency were next of public prayer: and I trust a spirthe subject of remark, and subse-it of fervent prayer has gone forth aquently, the inhabitation of God in mong our churches. Did we not feel the spiritual temple drew forth the its influence and realize its results? animating statements and impas-Within a few years what had it not sioned appeals in which the venerable preacher feels himself at home. In conclusion, the privilege and duty of contributing to the erection of the glorious edifice were earnestly and affectionately inculcated.

accomplished? Was it not prayer that led to the formation of all our missionary societies? What has assembled us to-day, what has united and stimulated us but prayer? The spirit of supplication has been At the prayer-meeting on Thurs-poured out on the Christian church day morning at Eagle-Street, a truly in Britain, and this has caused our missionary address was delivered by various combinations for usefulthe Rev. James Hoby, of Wey-ness.

month, founded on Isa. liii.

"The We are addressed by many and pleasure of the Lord shall prosper powerful appeals. There is a voice |

The Rev. Mr. Murch, of Stepney, proposed the second resolution, and said: I rise on the present occasion under considerable disadvantages, being totally unpractised in the art of addressing assemblies of this description, and must therefore entreat the candid indulgence of this respectable audience.

for much more.

Difficulties, it is

from the lands of barbarism and || forts, but we have reason to hope idolatry, saying, "Come over and help us." There is a voice from true, have arisen, great difficulties the regions of death, saying, "Per- still exist; but we should remember severe, for the time of action is that the cross of our blessed Lord, all short, and life is fleeting:" and the sufferings he underwent, were there is a voice from the excellent but the way to his triumph, the path glory, saying, "Go ye forth into all to his glory. Much money has been the world, and preach my gospel expended, as well as hardships ento every creature." Surely you will dured, but all this money will bear regard their appeals, and be awak- an abundant interest, and if we ened to more vigorous action under || wait patiently, we shall ere long their influence. reap a large harvest. When our friends began their labours in India, there was not a single school, throughout that immense country, where Christian principles were taught; there was not at that time six female children receiving any instruction; but now there are hundreds of schools where the doctrines of the Gospel are inculcated, and thousands of scholars of both sexes are instructed, and many of them, we have reason to hope, are trained up to eternal life. Much has been expended and endured in accomplishing what has been already done; but the lever is now planted on its fulcrum, which in its mighty energy will move the world; it is now in action, and it only remains for us all to put our hands and hearts to the work. There has been much expenditure of life in this mission; it is no uncommon thing to hear of the widows of missionaries, and of their orphan children returning to this country bereft of the guides of their youth; but a great work requires great sacrifices. The harvest truly is great; there is a teeming population, millions on millions of immortal souls perishing, and these comparatively without the means of salvation. What should we think if there were but two or three Christian ministers amidst the crowded population of London? Yet this is the state of destitution in which India now lies; so that how much soever may have been done, it must require accumulated labour and hardship and suffering, before we can realize the prospects

The motion in my hand is one of congratulation, and the Report that we have heard this day contains abundant matter for congratulation I would not, however, call your attention now to its very interesting details; I would wish you for a moment to forget these. I would wish|| you to go forth into the whole world, and ask, Where is it that missions to the heathen nations have not succeeded? There have been missions to India and to Africa, to frozen Greenland and to the sunny isles of the Pacific, and where have not these labours of love been crowned with success? I rejoice in the labours of every missionary Society, and if I were called to give a decided mark of its having received the divine blessing, I would point to the success which has attended its efforts.

The Rev. Eustace Carey came forward amidst the warmest applauses, and spoke to the following effect: In reviewing, my Christian friends, the labours of this Society, we have indeed much cause for thankfulness on account of the past, and of encouragement for the future. We are thankful for the success which has crowned our ef