the New Testament with little difficulty. I am now the reader of Locaucauvy, and often speak to travellers upon religion. I was once walking on the Rajah's Path (high road) when a man of high caste approached and said, 'Is it good or evil to learn the Vadam?' (Bible) I said, 'It is good to learn.' How is it good?' I answered, Can we easily find the way in a dark night without a light? but if a light shines on us, we may discover the place we seek. Thus our hearts by sin are in darkness; but true light is manifested by Christ in the Gospel.' He said, 'It is good; the time will come when all people will learn the Vadam.' We then continued walking, and talking in a friendly manner on this subject. I have often spoken to Brahmins, Mahometans, and Roman Catholics, and given them books to read, which they received joyfully; some of them saying, that hereafter they would embrace our religion. That I and all the readers may increase in love and knowledge, I entreat God to give grace! Amen." AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF THE NATIVE TEACHER AMOO. THE following interesting narrative (written by himself) of the Native Evangelist, supported by friends at Howden, under the name of HOWDEN BRUCE, has been received from the Rev. William Beynon, of Belgaum, by whom cordial and explicit testimony is borne to the christian excellence of his character, and the growing value of his Missionary labours. I was born at Buntwala, a village in the Mangalore Collectorate, about the year 1824. My father and mother were of the Jain religion, and very zealous in the performance of its rites. When I was three years old, my mother took me to my grandmother, who lived at a village called Cootalum, and there I remained upwards of eleven years, occasionally visiting my parents. I was brought up in entire ignorance of God-the true God-the Creator of all-and taught that to worship and obey the Gooroo, (heathen priest or teacher) was all that was necessary to make me happy. During my residence at Cootalum, I was left a motherless child. But God has been most kind and merciful to me! better than a father and mother is he, and who is like him? A few months after the death of my mother, my father and brother came to Cootalum, in order to take me home with them. Soon after returning to my father's house, I went to Mangalore to visit my eldest sister, who was residing there; and, whilst living with her, my wishes led me to visit the Bundar Bazar (landing place). Returning in the evening, I came along the road which leads by the house of the Rev. Mr. Hebick, in whose compound there was a school. I stood near the school-room door, and was surprised to see so many boys reading and writing. I felt a strong desire in my own mind to be taught to read and write, but felt afraid to go into the school, hearing that it belonged to a Padre Sahib (an English Missionary). While I was standing there, some of the masters came out and inquired who I was and why I stood there? and if I wished to be taught with the boys? I replied, that I should indeed rejoice to be taught to read and write, and that I would go home and ask my sister to allow me to go to school. They said, The master perhaps will support you. I replied that I could not eat their food and drink their water; that I was a Jain, and had never done such a thing; and if I did, my people would put me out of caste. The following day I told my eldest sister that I wished to go to the Missionaries' school to be educated. She became very angry with me, and said, No, no; that will not do; you shall not go there, for they will make you a Christian, and what will become of us then? I told her that she was very much mistaken; that I was sure they could never make me a Christian: why should I desert my religion and friends and become an outcast? After a good deal of entreaty my sister allowed me to go to school. When I first arrived at the school, the boarders were taking their food. The schoolmaster requested me to remain until the gentlemen came to examine the school. Mr. Hebick soon after came in. He inquired who I was, and what I did there. He put his hand on my head and said, that he was glad that I had come to school. I was very much surprised to be received with so much kindness and welcome. When the school was examined I heard much of the state of man as a sinner; that he was lost and without hope; and that he could only be saved through the Lord Jesus INDIA. George CHRISTIE'S NATIVE TEACHER. WE have much pleasure in presenting the subjoined auto-biographical narrative of the Native Evangelist employed in connexion with our Mission at Neyoor, under the name of GEORGE CHRISTIE, and supported by the christian liberality of William Kay, Esq., Grove House, near Liverpool. Our engraving for the present month is intended to depict an event in the interesting history of George Christie, which shows, in a manner at once affecting and delightful, the stedfastness of his christian character through the abundant grace he has received, and his readiness to pour out even his life, should it be required, on the sacrifice and service of his faith. The account to which attention is now invited has been transmitted by our esteemed Missionary brother, the Rev. John Abbs. "When I was four years of age, my parents died, and I was nourished by my father's mother till her death. After that, I wandered from place to place, conmitting much wickedness and enduring many hardships. Both before and afte my marriage, I walked for a long time according to my wicked thoughts and desires, and many evil devices were in my heart. After this my wife was take ill, and I had much sorrow of mind on account of her affliction. At that time! knew not that afflictions come to us because of our sinful nature; and, beirs ignorant, I gave money and food to sorcerers to recite incantations and offer sacrifice to the images of evil spirits for my wife's recovery. Although, according to the custom of the heathen, I expended much on these and such vain things the sickness of my wife diminished not, but increased; and having been to that it would be good for me to seek an omen from a Polayen fortune-teller, went to him and asked his assistance. He advised me to sacrifice more fowls in order to purchase these, I took my wife's jewels from her neck and sold then but, while about to make the offering, she became worse and swooned, up which I thought all our preparations would be useless, and I became very sorry "I wished to make my distress known to the Christian readers, but felt i difficulty, because I had often reproached the Christians, their Missionaries, a Readers, and had blasphemed the name of God. Soon after the spirit of wife returned; and, when she gained strength, I sent for the readers, inquire about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, heard their instructions, and united with the in prayer. Affliction continued and increased in my family, but Christ gave t much consolation. About two years after this, my wife died, at the age twenty-two years. Her last words were, 'O Jesus, suffer not my soul to le pain, but receive me to dwell with thee.' After her death, I soon obtaine strength by trusting in God, and desired to know more of the christian way. One Sunday, I was seized by some Soodras, and told to carry a burden to feast. I said, 'I cannot carry this burden to-day, because it is my Lord's day They were very angry, beat me, and said, 'Who will punish us, if we kill you I replied, You cannot kill my soul; my body only you can kill.' They the bound me to a tree, (page 569,) and after beating me again, one of them s We must know the nature of this religion: although we beat this man, he co plains not, nor does a tear fall from his eyes.' I said, They that mourn sta hereafter be comforted.' They exclaimed, 'Who is this? Is he a disciple of De vasaghayampilly ?'* and immediately released me. "I was subsequently appointed a Moopen, and baptized by Mr. Abbs, w allowed me a small sum monthly for my support, and directed me to apply #! mind to learning. Although I knew not a letter two years ago, I can now rea. ⚫ A Roman Catholic of this country who is reported to have suffered martyrdom many years since, with exemplary patience. the New Testament with little difficulty. I am now the reader of Locaucauvy, and often speak to travellers upon religion. I was once walking on the Rajah's Path (high road) when a man of high caste approached and said, 'Is it good or evil to learn the Vadam?' (Bible) I said, 'It is good to learn.' How is it good?' I answered, Can we easily find the way in a dark night without a light? but if a light shines on us, we may discover the place we seek. Thus our hearts by sin are in darkness; but true light is manifested by Christ in the Gospel.' He said, 'It is good; the time will come when all people will learn the Vadam.' We then continued walking, and talking in a friendly manner on this subject. I have often spoken to Brahmins, Mahometans, and Roman Catholics, and given them books to read, which they received joyfully; some of them saying, that hereafter they would embrace our religion. That I and all the readers may increase in love and knowledge, I entreat God to give grace! Amen." AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF THE NATIVE TEACHER AMOO. THE following interesting narrative (written by himself) of the Native Evangelist, supported by friends at Howden, under the name of HowDEN BRUCE, has been received from the Rev. William Beynon, of Belgaum, by whom cordial and explicit testimony is borne to the christian excellence of his character, and the growing value of his Missionary labours. I was born at Buntwala, a village in the Mangalore Collectorate, about the year 1824. My father and mother were of the Jain religion, and very zealous in the performance of its rites. When I was three years old, my mother took me to my grandmother, who lived at a village called Cootalum, and there I remained upwards of eleven years, occasionally visiting my parents. I was brought up in entire ignorance of God-the true God-the Creator of all-and taught that to worship and obey the Gooroo, (heathen priest or teacher) was all that was necessary to make me happy. During my residence at Cootalum, I was left a motherless child. But God has been most kind and merciful to me! better than a father and mother is he, and who is like him? A few months after the death of my mother, my father and brother came to Cootalum, in order to take me home with them. Soon after returning to my father's house, I went to Mangalore to visit my eldest sister, who was residing there; and, whilst living with her, my wishes led me to visit the Bundar Bazar (landing place). Returning in the evening, I came along the road which leads by the house of the Rev. Mr. Hebick, in whose compound there was a school. I stood near the school-room door, and was surprised to see so many boys reading and writing. I felt a strong desire in my own mind to be taught to read and write, but felt afraid to go into the school, hearing that it belonged to a Padre Sahib (an English Missionary). While I was standing there, some of the masters came out and inquired who I was and why I stood there? and if I wished to be taught with the boys? I replied, that I should indeed rejoice to be taught to read and write, and that I would go home and ask my sister to allow me to go to school. They said, The master perhaps will support you. I replied that I could not eat their food and drink their water; that I was a Jain, and had never done such a thing; and if I did, my people would put me out of caste. The following day I told my eldest sister that I wished to go to the Missionaries' school to be educated. She became very angry with me, and said, No, no; that will not do; you shall not go there, for they will make you a Christian, and what will become of us then? I told her that she was very much mistaken; that I was sure they could never make me a Christian: why should I desert my religion and friends and become an outcast? After a good deal of entreaty my sister allowed me to go to school. When I first arrived at the school, the boarders were taking their food. The schoolmaster requested me to remain until the gentlemen came to examine the school. Mr. Hebick soon after came in. He inquired who I was, and what I did there. He put his hand on my head and said, that he was glad that I had come to school. I was very much surprised to be received with so much kindness and welcome. When the school was examined I heard much of the state of man as a sinner; that he was lost and without hope; and that he could only be saved through the Lord Jesus Christ. The sin and guilt of idolatry were shown, and I also heard that there was no hope of salvation to any who trusted in images. Turning to me, the gentleman said, My dear boy, you are a sinner; you do not know the true God, and Jesus Christ his Son whom he sent into the world to save sinners. He spoke a good deal of the love and favour of God. After hearing all, I do not know what I felt. My heart melted within me. I immediately determined to stay in the school to know and hear more of this Saviour, and to learn that which concerned the salvation of my soul. But I was little aware of the difficulties and opposition with which I should have to contend. As soon as my determination was known, my relatives and friends, and a great number of Jains, my caste people, said that I had become a Christian. I told them how I felt, and what my wishes were. I was frightened, and prayed to God to help me. There was a great uproar. Some threw dust in the air; others cursed me and the Missionaries in the name of their gods, and tried to force me away; but I would not go. They watched me; and soon after, when they saw me standing near the schoolroom door, they rushed upon me, caught hold of my hands, and severely flogged me. Some said, Such a fellow should not live any longer; he must be put to death. Among them were my eldest sister, and my old grandmother, whose conduct deeply affected me. The latter said that I ought to be cut into four quarters and hung at the four corners of the earth. My dear sister, when she saw my mind was fixed, wept bitterly, and fell down senseless to the ground. When she recovered she was taken home by her husband. All this pierced my heart. It was to me a sudden and severe trial at the time; yet the Lord, my Saviour and strength, had pity upon me, a poor weak boy. The words of the Lord Jesus, recorded in Matt. v. 11, 12, gave me great comfort, and strengthened me; and so they have many times since-I shall never forget them. When my relations saw that their efforts to induce me to return to them were useless, they pronounced a curse upon me and left me to myself. My caste people tried to force me back by making outcasts of my family. This they did for fourteen days; but, finding the plan ineffectual, they restored them; charging them, at the same time, that if they held any intercourse with me, they should immediately be put out of caste. From the time I was deserted by my family and friends, the Lord God, my Saviour, has been my guide. In November 1839, I left Mangalore for Dharwar. Hearing that there were Missionaries at Belgaum, I went thither, and was introduced to them by the teacher Solomon, who acted most kindly towards me. Soon afterwards, Mr. Beynon took me under his protection and care, and taught me more fully the word of God. I was bap. tized by him in the Shapore chapel, on the 1st of January, 1842. I continue to study under him. To God be all the praise for what he has done for me! My trust is in that blessed Saviour who gave his life for me. I wish to make known his salvation to my own countrymen, that they may know the true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. SALEM. THE facts stated in the appended extracts of a Missionary Journal, transmitted by the Rev. J. M. Lechler, exhibit, in a very affecting manner, the ignoraut and degraded state of the native population in this part of India, the influence of ancient superstitious customs over their minds, the spirit of inquiry which is beginning to arouse them from their intellectual lethargy and thraldom, and the necessity for employing additional means to spread amongst them the principles of true knowledge, and guide their feet into the way of peace. Jan. 25, 1843.-Speaking with some heathen men of the custom of burning their dead, I asked them what they thought be comes of the soul when the body dies and is burnt? One of them replied, "When the body is burnt, the soul is burnt too." I said, that I did not think so; for the soul being a spirit, it was impossible to burn it. I then enlarged on the subject, reading to them the passages which bear on this point. They all seemed to be much delighted, and one of them, the schoolmaster, who had been sneering the previous evening, said he wished very much to have the book from which I was reading. (It was the New Testament belonging to my servant, as I had already given mine away.) He had hardly finished asking, when anc ther one said he wished to have it too. I told the latter that I would send him one from Salem; but seeing one lying near my box, belonging to one of the assistants, he would not cease till we gave it to him. It was rather old, but he preferred it to waiting for a new one. At morning prayers we had two intelligent heathen from a neighbouring village with us, who heard very attentively, 1 Cor. xv., which we were reading. Both asked for the New Testament from which we had been reading; but, as this was the only one that remained, we gave them a copy of the Psalms, and a part of the Old Testament. This afternoon, while reading Dr. Philip's "Researches in South Africa," a family of Brahmins came near my place. The women washed their clothes in a small tank, and dried them; and, in the meantime, two little boys, with two young men and their father, assembled under a green tree opposite the Choultry. Whilst the men sat and talked with one another, the boys made themselves very busy in oiling the idols which stood under the tree, pouring water over them, and decorating them with flowers. I went near, and asked the old Brahmin why the boys were doing so. He replied, We are doing homage to the Swamy;* I know it is madness, but such is the custom of the country: what is to be done?" I said, "Is this the Swamy? I see nothing but stones."-"Yes," answered one of the young men, "this is the Lord-the God who created and preserved us." I then tried to show them that God is a Spirit, and that he cannot be represented by a stone, or any other substance; but while I was talking, the old man got up, laid a few plantains before the idol, and broke some cocoa-nuts, the milk of which he poured out before the senseless stone. Lights were also kindled, and incense burnt. After making a few more remarks on the sin and foolishness of this idol-worship, I prepared to go on my journey. The old Brahmin, seeing this, took up a few plantains, and cocoa-nut shells, and presented them to me; but I refused taking them, saying that I would not eat any thing that had been offered to idols. NATIVE FEMALE BOARDING SCHOOL AT MADRAS. FEW objects connected with the Missionary work in India present an aspect of greater interest and importance than the Native Female Orphan and Boarding Schools, several of which are now in promising operation. In addition to the accounts recently published of the progress of these excellent Institutions, we have now the pleasure to present a brief but gratifying report, lately received, of the Native Female Boarding School, under the superintendence of Mrs. W. Porter, at Madras. This school is superintended by Mrs. William Porter. The number of children has considerably increased since last year, and, in consequence of this, we have been compelled to enlarge our premises. Nearly fifty children, separated as much as possible from heathen associations, are boarded, clothed, and educated. Their education is chiefly in the vernacular language; but they are taught English to a great extent, and always examined in what they have learned, through the medium of their own language. Large portions of Scripture, in Tamil and English, have been committed to memory; also, Dr. Watts's First and Second Catechisms, in Tamil and English; and Watts's Divine Songs, and Historical Catechism, in English. Tamil grammar and geography have been attended to by some of the elder scholars. The progress of the children, in divine and human knowledge, is very encouraging, nor is this all-there have been some pleasing manifestations of religious feeling which suffice to show that our labour is not altogether "in vain in the Lord." It would be interesting to speak of these more at length; but with children so young, and in a country so demoralizing, we have learned to rejoice with trembling our hopes may be blighted, but we commit our youthful charge to his care, who will not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. We have been greatly encouraged in this sphere of labour by the kindness of friends in England and India. We are helped both by their contributions and their prayers. One kind friend, writing from England as the representative of many more, and sending contributions for the support of eight children, asks for the name, disposition, and general character of each of the children, that she and they may "individualize them at a throne of grace." This is the kind of interest we wish our friends to manifest. We are confident as to its result. Let our friends, with their contributions, give us their special, earnest, and continued prayers, and we feel sure that a blessing cannot long be withheld. "God will bless us;" for, though the soil be barren in which the seed of truth is cast, and there is no human probability that it will ever germinate and grow, we cannot forget the promise of a faithful God. A name applied to God, er any being thought to be of a superior order. |