of rupees, if they would release them, and conduct them in safety to Allahabad. Their reply was, "It is not money we want, but blood. We don't wish the seed of the English to remain in the country." Saying this, they began to tie them two and two. Where there were husband and wife, they had the privilege of being tied together. When all were thus tied, they were formed into a line, and fastened together by means of a rope, which was passed between them. While these preparations were being made, the Missionaries found an opportunity to say to the four native Christians who had accompanied them, "You can be of no further use to us now, and to remain with us would only be to expose yourselves to certain death: return to Futtehghur, and say to our native brethren, that though we die, the Saviour lives. Commit yourselves, soul and body, to His keeping; and, whatever befalls, do not you deny Him." Three of the four then left; but the fourth, an ayah, refused to go with them. These preparations completed, the Sepoys moved off, with their prisoners, in the direction of Cawnpore.

It was a sad procession. Among the prisoners were little children, and mothers in delicate health; and none of the party had tasted anything but the coarsest fare for several days, and of this they had partaken sparingly. Their progress was, consequently, slow, and it was often interrupted by many halts, to give the weary time to rest. Night overtook them on a plain half-way to Cawnpore. Here the Sepoys called a halt, a ring was formed, and the prisoners were placed in the centre, where they remained until morning. They had nothing given them to eat; but a bhistie was allowed to give them water when they required it. But few slept, and but little was said. All felt that the sun would rise on them the next morning for the last time; and though no audible petition was offered up, each seemed to be engaged in prayer.

At an early hour they were again on the march. They had not gone far before they met three carts, which the Nana sent out for the ladies, who were put into them; and in this way they were taken into Cawnpore.

It was six A. M. when the party arrived. They were all shut up in a house, the few servants who were still with them being excluded. The Christian ayah and some of her companions sat down within thirty or forty yards of the place, that they might see what would become of the prisoners; but they were driven

off by the Sepoy guard, who threatened to shoot them if they did not leave immediately.

What I have written above I learned from our own people; and it has been corroborated in almost every particular by other parties. What remains to be told, I learned from a servant of the Maharajah Duleep Singh, who accompanied Mr. Elliot, the Maharajah's agent, in his flight. When the rebels made prisoners of the party at the river, he ran away, but only to disguise himself and return, that he might learn their end. He followed them to Cawnpore, and saw them shut up in the building already mentioned. Here they remained for an hour, when the Nana came, and ordered the doors to be thrown open, and the prisoners to be brought out. This done, they were taken to the parade-ground, and drawn up in a line, without reference to age or sex. The Sepoys then fired a volley into them with their muskets, which killed many of them, and the rest were at once despatched with the sword.

Thus perished this entire party. How many homes were left desolate by it, and how many hearts filled with unutterable woe! But every heart knows its own bitterness. While others mourn for deceased friends and relatives, we mourn for our beloved associates in labour. "They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided." Their homes lying in ruins around us tell us that they lived and laboured here; but the scenes which once knew them shall know them no more. How mysterious are the ways of Providence! Two of these brethren had just entered the Mission-field, and the others were cut off in the midst of their usefulness. Truly His ways are not our ways. And it is best so. His ways are always right. He tries His church; but He never forsakes her: she is graven upon the palms of His hands, and her walls are ever before Him. In view of the scenes of the past year, and in view of the magnitude of the work before us, we would learn to "cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils," and we would rely with a more unwavering trust upon Him who is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in power, wisdom, and love.

How appropriate and how cheering at such a time are the words of the Psalmist!"My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. But Thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever; and Thy remembrance to all generations. Thou shall arise, and have mercy upon

Tan Kiau niun is the wife of a rich Chinese merchant. Her case presents some peculiarly interesting features. She first heard the Gospel about four years ago, at the meeting for Chinese females, then held in one of the school-rooms. Since that time she has frequently attended our services. Lately, her husband's shop was consumed by a fire, which burnt down many houses in Amoy. Ever since, she seems to have given more earnest heed to the truths of the Gospel. She answered with great intelligence all the questions put to her preparatory to admission to church-fellowship, and gave good evidence that she had experienced the work of the Spirit on her heart.

The present number of communicants is 182; 57 women, and 125 men.—Rev. Mr. Stronach, of the London Missionary Society.

INDIA.

MADRAS.

THE Minute of the Government on the late riot is a very important one: it is at once a guide and a support, and will encourage us, and all Missionaries in this Presidency, against that insolent violence with which the Hindus, since the mutiny, have sometimes attempted to intimidate the servants of Christ in the prosecution of their duty. It will also tend to embolden those young men in our schools whom a dread of persecution has hitherto prevented from avowing openly their faith in Christianity. Colonel Boulderson has been a great personage in the eyes of the natives; and his known hostility to Missionaries has caused him to be esteemed by the Brahmins as the guardian of " the established religion of India." The severe strictures of the Government in their Minute on the Commissioner's conduct, and the instructions which he there receives, will teach the natives that impartial justice will be maintained against the character of any public servant who may neglect his duty in the administration of it an almost impossible lesson for a Hindu to learn.

We are looking out for intelligence of a reinforcement for our Tamul District after Conference. May God send us fit men, and enough of them!

Five respectable Hindu widows' marriages have been lately solemnized with

great pomp in Ramjubunpoor. Several matches of this class will shortly take place in the Mofussil of Bengal.—Rev. Ebenezer E. Jenkins, Madras, September 13th, 1858.

A CASE similar to that of Viziarangum has subsequently occurred in connexion with the Free Church Mission in Madras. A trial ensued, which resulted in the surrender of Culloor Narrainsawmy Chetty, the youthful convert, to his Heathen parents, on the allegation that he was under fourteen years of age, while the youth himself declared that he was upwards of sixteen. In relation to this decision the Missionary says, "On the great day of account, India will furnish a dark and bloody roll of hopeful youths, whom bigoted native parents and relatives have chained, drugged, and deprived of reason and life. For what? For desiring to know and to obey the Gospel." Surely, the utmost exertions will be put forth, and the most earnest prayers offered up, by all denominations of Christians, in order to remedy the wretched state of those youths in India who are coming to the light of truth.

NEGAPATAM.

BEFORE this reaches you, the proclamation of the Governor-General of

India, announcing that the vast dominions of Hindustan have passed from the East India Company to the Government of Queen Victoria, will have been published, an event, the results of which will, doubtless, be very great to the immense population of this land, and have an important bearing upon future Missionary operations. Things cannot remain as they are. This is impossible. There must be progress, and, if I read aright the signs of the times, rapid progress. It is curious to observe the difference of feeling and opinion on the subject of the change which has just taken place. The natives, though generally apathetic, evidently rejoice at the change, and think that in some way or other, though they cannot tell how, they will be gainers by it. The gentlemen composing the civil and military services regard the change with feelings of regret, and are disposed to doubt its wisdom. "The Company has been a good master to them, and why should they rejoice at its downfal? This is a narrow and selfish way of looking at the subject, though it may somewhat partake of gratitude for past benefits. If left to the option of the Company's servants, there will be no public rejoicing on the occasion of the proclamation.

Negapatam is likely soon to become a more important place than it has been for several years past. It is now the principal seaport of the Tanjore province. From twenty to forty vessels may be seen every day riding at anchor off the port; and the amount of customs is yearly increasing. Besides, within the last few days, the electric telegraph has been opened to Madras; and next month a railroad to Tanjore and Trichinopoly will be commenced, of which Negapatam will be the sea-board terminus. Moreover, a pier has lately been constructed at the mouth of the river, and an iron dredgeboat, brought from England in pieces, is being put together to deepen the river, and to facilitate the landing and shipment of cargo. These are substantial signs of progress, which I notice here, as likely to affect the place as a Mission-station, and which you may not have an opportunity of learning from other sources.

But I must now give you some account of our Missionary proceedings since I last wrote to you.

The native Christian congregation is increasing. On Sunday, our chapel is well filled, both morning and evening; and it may be that we shall require to enlarge it soon, or build another in a better locality, which would be preferable. The present building is old, and the roof

is giving way. We are trying to gather all the native Christians of the place around us, to take the oversight of them. Though many of them are, strictly speaking, not members of the Society, their position among the Heathen renders it necessary that we should both instruct and care for them.

The schools are also exhibiting signs of improvement. The number attending the girls' school, under Mrs. Batchelor's care, has increased to forty, and may be further enlarged. We have succeeded in obtaining an efficient Teacher for the boys' school. He was educated in the excellent American Mission Institution at Batticotta, Jaffna. Cornelius is a pious young man, and likely to be very useful. The number attending the school is increasing.

A few weeks ago we visited Trivaloor, which has frequently been recommended as a Mission-station. It was again brought forward at our last DistrictMeeting, and strongly urged on your attention. I inspected a piece of ground on the south side of the large tank, a little to the west of the old palace, now occupied as a travellers' bungalow. It is central, and, I think, would be suitable for a Mission-house. In the Talook school, which I examined, I found seventy boys, all of whom are anxious to learn English.-Rev. Peter Batchelor, Negapalam, September 25th, 1858.

THE ARMY IN INDIA.

THE two letters from pious soldiers in India, which are given below, will be acceptable to our friends who feel a deep interest in India, and the British troops doing duty in India. PaymasterSargeant Thomson's letter from the camp at Gwalior exhibits the spiritual destitution of the central provinces, and is a powerful call to enlarged operations for the preaching of the Gospel to the vast Heathen population which has been hitherto unvisited by Christian Teachers. Looking at the extent of the field to be occupied, we are made to feel that the great work which remains to be done has not yet been commenced. Friends of the human race, help! Hasten to furnish the means for sending the word of God to the millions who are perishing for lack of knowledge!

The second letter illustrates the saying of the Preacher, "Cast thy bread

upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Thirty years ago a pious Sergeant was encouraged by a Missionary to learn the language of the natives, by the gift of a Tamul New Testament. He learned the language, and now testifies to the power and usefulness of the ministry of the East India and Native Ministers. Such a testimony is valuable, as being disinterested; and is most encouraging, as being given by an Englishman of long experience in India among the natives.

Camp Gwalior, September 11th, 1858. REV. AND DEAR SIR,-Yesterday I had the pleasure of forwarding an order for £5 to the Oriental Bank, Bombay, to be remitted to you as a subscription to the Indian Mission Fund, from soldiers of the 86th Regiment, for 1858. More than a year has elapsed since our last donation was sent but it was not for want of a strong desire to assist in your efforts to send more Missionaries to India, but rather for want of an opportunity; for, ever since the commencement of the year, we have been continually marching or fighting, so that we had but few opportunities of meeting together, or doing anything towards the good cause.

But

we earnestly hope you will procure the means to send the glad tidings of salvation to those who have never heard of Him who is mighty to save. Since leaving Bombay, we have marched nearly one thousand miles, as part of the Central India Field Force, under General Sir Hugh Rose; and in all our march we had not the pleasure of meeting with a single Missionary of any denomination, nor did we pass a town or village, from Bombay to Gwalior, where there had been one, (as far as I could learn,) except Molligaum and to think of the countless villages and towns in Central India, with their millions of inhabitants, who, to all appearance, looking at the present progress of Missions, will have passed into eternity without knowing the Christian's God, or hearing the faithful saying, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and the greater part of whom have never seen Europeans but as soldiers executing vengeance on their rebellious Rajahs! Surely the very thought should cause all who feel the power of religion to do all they can, by their prayers and liberality, to promulgate the glorious Gospel.

As some of our members belong to the Free Church, and some to the Church of

VOL. IV.-FIFTH SERIES.

England, we divide our subscriptions; and, as those Churches have Missions in and around Bombay, they come in for the largest share. But soon we hope to see in the "Notices" the report of the departure of some Wesleyan Missionaries for Bombay.

The "Notices" come regularly every month. Might I ask you to continue them, as they are a source of great pleasure to us, and more especially now, as we have but few books? Praying that God may bless the Mission cause more and more,

I remain

Yours sincerely and respectfully, WILLIAM THOMSON, Paymaster-Sergeant 86th Regiment. Rev. Elijah Hoole, D.D.

Negapatam, September 22d, 1858. MY BELOVED AND RESPECTED FRIEND, It is now thirty-two years since I had the honour to take a cup of tea with you in my tent at Nungumbaucum Tank, where my regiment was encamped on our return from Ava. You will be able to call to recollection, also, the visits you made to Trichinopoly when you travelled the plains of India in your unique ton-jon. On one or two of these occasions you called on me. I was then Mess-Sergeant of the Royal Regiment. To you I owe it that I read Tamil. On one of these visits I stated I was desirous to learn that language: you brought me from your palkee a Tamil New Testament, and said, "Learn to read that by the time I return."

Let this suffice for an introduction. I. enter on a more important topic, which lies nearer your heart; namely, the spread of Methodism in India. I have had the privilege of an acquaintance with nearly all the Wesleyan Missionaries who have been located in the Tamil District since the time of Mr. James Lynch and Mr. Squance. I am aware your time is valuable: I will be brief.

I feel most sincerely thankful to God, who put it into the heart of Dr. Coke and others to visit India; and nobly have these men, and those that followed, done their duty. They have lighted a torch that shall never be extinguished till the world is burnt up.

But I think I can point out clearly that these (I mean English Missionaries) are not designed chiefly for the workingbees of the hive. There is another class of men being brought on the stage under their training, particularly in the Training Institution at Royapettah, both of European blood and mixed. Of the

4 D

former are the Messrs. Hobday; and of the latter, Mr. O. Sullivan and Mr. Evers. There are others in Madras and Bangalore, whom I know not. In my observations, I have found a few English Missionaries that were really able Preachers in Tamil, touching the minds of the people. Among these I may mention yourself and Mr. Cryer,-blessed man! Mr. Griffith was a noble scholar in Oriental languages. Mr. Jenkins has generally been in Madras: I know little of him. It is generally many years before Englishmen can make themselves well understood in the Tamil.

But it is quite different with those born in India. Mr. Evers was stationed here four years. Lately we had a visit of ten days from the Hobdays. They preached several times, both in English and Tamil; and they are truly "sons of thunder." The people trembled under them. Mr. Evers, also, is a noble Preacher. This is the class of men that I think God will use for the native work. But we cannot spare the English Missionaries they are the men He will employ to train up the others to piety and zeal, and qualify them for the work that they themselves cannot perform. I have sat under the best of our English Missionaries preaching in Tamil; and not one of their sermons produced the same effect as did those preached by the Hobdays. At Goobbee, where Mr. Male lived for some years, there has been formed a Christian village. A portion of land was given to us by the Government. We have marked out houses to be built, the natives have been invited to reside there, and there are now many streets and houses of natives who have a portion of land on which they live. Now I know well that the Rev. Thomas Hodson acknowledged that Mr. O. Sullivar was the instrument of these men's conv.sion, and spake very highly of his labours to Mr. O. Sullivan when he visited that place on his tour through the District as Chairman. Honour to whom honour is due.

In connexion with our Mission here, there is one family who were formerly Roman Catholic. The members attend preaching, not class. The males were excluded for cleaving to caste. Two of them were Preachers, and one a Superintendent of schools. There were three young men, Brahmins, during these last four years, fully awakened, and resolved to become Christians; but it was impossible they could be baptized here. Their parents would have persecuted them, perhaps even to the death: two fled to Madras, and were baptized, and are now

efficient Teachers under Mr. Jenkins. The third was secured by his friends, from whom afterwards he escaped, and has not been discovered since. Now these are the fruits of the labours of the Assistant Missionaries. It is a difficult thing for the European Missionary to enter into the minds of the natives, on account of being so long in entering into the idiom of the Tamil.

Urge, Sir, the Missionaries, before they embark, to have an eye over the young lads born in India. These, should God call them, are the messengers to the churches, and apostles to the Heathen, having played and conversed with native boys from their youth.

I trust it will not appear that I have been presuming. A word to the wise is enough.

I am, dear Sir,
Most devotedly yours,

J. RODGERS.

Rev. Elijah Hoole, D.D.

SOUTH AFRICA.

GRAHAM'S-TOWN.

THE following is an extract from a letter addressed to me by Mr. Impey, dated Graham's-Town, September 10th :—

"Our Sunday-school anniversary was a great success. The gallery of Commemoration chapel would not hold all the schools, and the Dutch school had to go below. The school-room has been enlarged at a cost of about £350, including the cost of covering the whole with zinc. In the Circuits (English and Kaffir) we are doing well. Sunday last I baptized eighty-eight natives! eighty-one adults, and seven children. It was a fine sight, and one which you would have rejoiced to see. We did not forget you on the occasion. Wesley chapel [the chapel used by the Kaffir congregation] was full. The whole service occupied nearly two hours and a half."

These are indeed joyful tidings.—Rev. William Shaw, Wisbeach, November 13th, 1858.

HEALD-TOWN.

I AM most thankful and happy to say that our heavenly Father is giving us some very cheering indications of an approaching revival of the work of God amongst the Fingoe inhabitants of this settlement. From the close of our last District-Meeting, each of the succeeding Quarterly Meetings has shown signs of increase in every department of the work. We have been called to toil, and to bear