Thanks be to God our Father, who has and does give us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

It will be readily believed that this affecting ad

held at Kissey, made a powerful impression on the hearers. Mr. Reffell, who was among them, was delighted with the ingenuous acknowledgment of former delinquency, and with the great and manifest change which had been wrought in this Young Man.

CHARLOTTE.

Foundation-stone of St. John's Church laid. The 6th of January having been appointed for laying the foundation-stone of a Church for the use of the inhabitants of Charlotte, the Superintendents of most of the other towns, with a number of the Liberated Africans, attended and were joined by many Gentlemen from Freetown, among whom were

will take pleasure in the work of our hands, be glorified by it, and from this day bless us.

It is recorded of David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, that it was well that he had it in his heart to build a house to the name of the Lord. If the thoughts of men are thus noticed by Him to whom all hearts are open, and from whom no secrets are hid, may we not expect that he will look down with complacency on our present undertaking?

the Acting Chief Justice, the Members of Council,

As soon as the ladies and gentlemen had taken their places, the superintendent, Mr. Taylor, arose, and, giving out a Hymn appropriate to the occasion, the voices of the whole assembly burst upon the air in one solemn strain of holy thanksgiving and praise; making those wilds resound with the name of our adored Creator, where a few years since nought was heard save the fierce leopard's howl, or hoarse bark of the prowling wolf.

Prayer having been offered for the blessing of God on the undertaking--

At the close, Mr. Thomas Davey, after regretting the indisposition and consequent absence of our truly pious and worthy Chaplain, the Rev. G. R. Nyländer, spoke as follows

Dearly beloved Brethren !-We are assembled together at this time for one of the noblest purposes which can occupy the attention of man; it being nothing less than to lay the foundation-stone of a house for the worship of that Supreme Being whom the Heaven, and Heaven of Heavens, cannot contain; who, although He be the High and Lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, hath promised that He will dwell with those of an bumble and contrite spirit, and dispense His blessings wherever His name is recorded.

If we duly consider that the children of Israel, when they said that the time had not arrived for the building of the house of the Lord, received a reproof by the mouth of the Prophet Haggai, saying, Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and

ever mindful of their welfare, both spiritual and temporal, had directed this building to be commenced prior to his departure for the Gold Coast. He took this opportunity of reminding them of the strict charge which he had delivered to them a short time previous, respecting the several duties which they had to perform; and by an active display of which, they could alone evince their gratitude to that government, whose liberality has given them the means of reaching their present happy and advanced state in civilized life-that if they wished to show their gratitude to their esteemed governor, and the worthy superintendent under whose care they had lived, they would cherish in their hearts the instruction and advice which they had at all times received; and, by a religious, honest, and industrious life, would make the only and most desirable return for the arduous and unceasing exertions which had been used, on every occasion, to promote their welfarethat he hoped shortly to see them meet together in the church now about to be built, and there join in one solemn heartfelt thanksgiving to their Creator for the numerous blessings which they enjoy,

new

Mr. Reffell then deposited some coins of the present reign; and, the immense stone being lowered upon the base, he declared the foundation-stone to be laid in the accustomed words, and that the same was dedicated to "St. John." The company having struck the stone with the mason's mallet, and returned to their seats, Mr. Thomas Davey again stood forward, and spoke as follows:

"My dear friends, you more especially

who reside in this town, remember you have many mercies and blessings to be thankful for (as you have just heard from our excellent friend,) of which this is one of the greatest, to have a house for Divine Service begun. Let me intreat you, therefore, to show your gratitude to God, as the Author of all good; and to those placed by Him in authority over you, for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of them that do well. Adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things: for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared-teaching us, that, denying ungodliness aad worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present evil world; looking by faith for that blessed hope of eternal life, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, at His second coming: who so loved us, that He gave Himself for us, that He might, by His precious blood, redeem us from all iniquity and sin, and purify unto Himself, by the washing of regeneration, a peculiar people zealous of good works.

Finally, may the blessing of the Lord attend our undertaking this day! May this and all our works be begun, continued, and ended in Him! For we are persuaded, that, unless He build the house, they labour but in vain that build it. May he cause the Divine influences of His Spirit to attend the declaration of His word, so that a numerous seed to serve Him may be raised up in this place; and that, whilst we build a temporal house, He may build up for Himself a spiritual temple, to the praise of the glory of His grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

The whole assembly having again joined in singing a Hymn of praise, were dismissed after prayer had been again offered for the favour and blessing of Almighty God.

The affectionate allusions on this occasion to the

late Governor will awaken the deeper regret, when it is remembered, that, a few days after that in which this tribute was offered to him, he fell by the hand of Africans, while contending for the real good of

Africa.

INDIA WITHIN THE GANGES.

CALCUTTA.

Examination of the Female School. The examination commenced on the arrival of Lady Amherst, by the introduction of the First Class, consisting of a number of girls who read the New Testament with much facility, and answered the questions, put to them by Mrs. Wilson and the Rev. Messrs. Wilson and Jetter, with much perspicuity and discernment: we cannot help remarking the quickness of one little girl, a child not exceeding four years of age, who read the New Testament without the

slightest hesitation, and with a clearness quite astonishing. The girls composing the Second Class were examined in one of the elementary books made use of by the Society, and acquitted themselves very much to the satisfaction of the company present. Another Class was examined in Dr. Watts's Catechism, and evinced great retention of memory.

After these exercises had been gone through, some of the girls seated themselves on the ground, and began to sew; after which they displayed their performances to some ladies, who highly commended them. Specimens of their writing were then exhibited, which reflect the highest credit upon their teachers.

When we consider the short period that this Society has been in active operation-a period not exceeding 18 months-we feel that every thing which could be said by us would be inadequate to the idea that we entertain of the value of its services. Nearly 400 children are educated in 22 schools, belonging to the Society. We know not whether we should say CHILDREN; for, among those present, were several adult females.

The difficulties which the Society has had to contend with, it must be obvious, are of no common kind. These have been of a nature probably stronger than Caste: and the principal of them appears to us to be the habit of female seclusion among the natives. It is true that the greater number of these children are Hindoos, and that the custom of seclusion is of Mahomedan origin; yet so well does it suit the Hindoo character, that it now forms a strong feature of it. the pre

We were very much pleased. sence of several respectable natives, who even assisted in the examination of the classes themselves--a plain proof of the decrease of prejudice among them.

We believe there was not a person who attended this meeting, who did not feel rejoiced at the communication of instruction to the numerous interesting little objects around him; and we most fervently hope, that these feelings will not be allowed to expire, without some assistance of a more substantial nature being afforded to the funds of so valuable an institution.

BENARES.

State of the Mission.

A piece of ground near the city, suitable for building on, having at length been obtained, two Bungalows are erecting on it, for the residence of the Society's Missionaries at this station.

The number of boys in the school, founded by the late Jay Narain Ghossaul and endowed by his son Kolly Shunker Ghossaul, is reported to be 141. The allowance for subsistence made to a certain number of the boys, according to the will of the founder,

has the good effect of retaining them longer in the schools than they have been found to remain in the Society's other schools; but the want of a sufficient number of books, as also the high rate at which books imported from England sell, has been found a great hinderance to the improvement of the upper classes in this school. The Superintendent expresses much satisfaction with the effect evidently produced on the minds of several of the scholars from reading the Scriptures: they generally prefer the New Testament to any other English Book; and, on Sunday morning, several of the elder boys go as far as Secrole, in order to read and receive instruction in the Old Testament.

During the past year, on the representation of the Chaplain of the station, a chapel has been erected at Secrole, for the use of the Native Christians who attend worship in Hindoostanee. The committee supplied about half the expenses toward the building: the remainder was raised by the friends at and near Benares. In May last, the building being completed, was opened for Divine Service; at which time the Rev. Mr. Fraser baptized a man descended from Christian parents, and a Hindoo woman who had been previously under a course of instruction. The number of Native Christians who usually assemble in this place for worship, is about fifty: occasionally, a few Hindoos and Mahomedans also attend.

There are some other native Schools at Benares, and a few girls are instructed in the city and at secrole; but the committee have no particular information respecting them.

ignorant, as must be supposed. The Tracts which I brought with me for distribution are in a great measure useless, as the people do not understand the Devanagari character; and it is to be lamented that we have nothing, as far as I know, printed in the Kythee. If we may make a comparison, this place is certainly much inferior to Benares; the inhabitants are years in knowledge behind those of Benares, and other large cities; this, however, is a strong reason why they should be instructed. In order to see what impression could be made, and to turn our time to some advantage, a school was commenced shortly after our arrival here; and which, though small, comparatively speaking, yet at some future day may rise into importance.

While I sincerely rejoice in an opening like this, and earnestly pray for the kind people and their good cause here, I must beg to be excused from giving any further opinion on the subject of settling permanently here, till I shall have again visited Benares, and till I shall have seen how the work is likely to succeed at that place, of which,as a MISSIONARY station, I have formed the highest expectation."

The committee are sorry to have to add, that, soon after writing the letter of which the above is an extract, Mr. Morris was attacked with severe fever; which for several days held his life in suspense, and has so greatly debilitated his bodily frame, that cessation from labour for some time, and change of air have become necessary to him.

GORUCKPORE.

Opening for a Mission.

Some leading members of the European Society at Goruckpore, having long desired the presence of an English missionary at that station, and having engaged to provide a house, and also to supply a considerable proportion of the necessary expense, the Rev. Mr. Morris, after consulting the committee, proceeded from Benares to Goruckpore in March last, with a view to ascertain, from actual experience, the openings for missionary usefulness at that place. The difficulties which have usually opposed themselves, from the misapprehension of the natives, at the commencement of missionary labours in this country, were here also met with. Mr. Morris, however, succeeded in establishing a boys' school, and Mrs. Morris collected a few girls around her. The following extract of a letter from Mr. Morris, dated June 30th, exhibits his views of Goruckpore, as a Missionary Station, and also his feelings as to remaining there :

"The town of Goruckpore contains, probably, about 70,000 inhabitants; extremely

MEERUT.

State of the Mission.

The Rev. Henry Fisher, Chaplain at this Station, communicates the following details of Missionary proceedings to the corresponding Committee. In

reference to half-yearly Meetings, which he holds, he says--

On these occasions, few seem to take any interest in our proceedings, except my own religious friends, and my COMPANY (to use the military phrase) of serious soldiers. Our accounts are publicly audited; and I generally (indeed always, for I have no one to do it for me) address the meeting with a view to encourage and excite them. Our Churchof-England Society usually consists of about 30 or 40 steady religious men; while the average number of hearers varies from 100 to 400 volunteers, who attend the public Church Lectures, &c.

David, the converted Saadh, is no longer in the list. The poor old man has been for some time incapable of doing any thing in his school from weakness in his eyes, and is now quite blind. His friends at Henreepore take care of him. I have not heard of him,

or from him, for some months; but Anund told me that he is well in every other respect, save the loss of his sight.

Mr. Mill will doubtless communicate to you the opinion which he formed of the Saadhs from personal observations, when Anund accompanied him to Agra and Futtyghur. I perfectly coincide with him, that these people, however interesting, and however promising of a productive harvest if the reapers were among them, are sadly too much entangled by peculiarities and fancies of their own, to possess sufficient simplicity and teachableness: although they cannot be considered equally indisposed as the rest of the multitudes of Asiatic Heresies and Superstitions, to the reception of the truth; for they have renounced caste, and are curious to read and understand our books: yet, it is obvious, they highly estimate their own creed; and are anxious to establish and to conciliate from us a concession to that effect, that there is a great RESEMBLANCE between Christianity and its Divine Author, and their own traditions and fabulous records of Satgur Uddeas. I still think that great good might be done among them, if a regular system of uninterrupted Missionary Labour was established, at least among those simple villagers whom I have seen at and around Kowabee.

Anund is settled at Delhi; and sends me, from time to time, his Diary: when I write again, I will send you a few extracts, which may serve to show you how he is occupied.

Behadur and his wife and family are here and he acts as Reader in my Native Congregation, visiting the sick, reading the Scriptures to different hearers in the week days, and occasionally visiting the neighbouring villages: he is an industrious, sincere man. Mooneef has left my employment, and is now engaged as a Moonshee to Mr. Williams: he conducts himself very well he is at present at Meerut; and joins our congregational worship, and visits me, from time to time, to converse about his soul and his Saviour. Oomeed is still exercising his labours among the barrack people; and Matthew Phiroodeen, the steady, consistent, and upright Christian which he has ever been since his conversion, remains, as described to you in my last Letter—“ rejected by his earthly commander as a soldier, BECAUSE HE IS A CHRISTIAN; but a champion, fearless and faithful notwithstanding, under the Captain of Salvation."

I have baptized several Natives in the course of last year; among them one whole family-Peter Dilsook, his wife Ruth, and three children, fine boys, from eight to eleven years old. He has been employed by me, now some months, to teach a school, con

sisting principally of the country-born Drum

mers and their wives and children; and he is diligent and successful. The women constitute my choir in the Native Congregation; and sing Abdool's hymns, translated, I imagine, from ours. Peter has 18 scholars. I have reason to entertain a very high opinion of him.

SYNOD OF NEW-YORK.
NARRATIVE, &c.

The Synod are constrained in commencing their narrative, to express their deep regret that the state of the churches within their bounds, does not supply the materials for a more cheering account of the progress of that gospel, in which our richest present enjoyments, as well as our eternal hopes, are centred. Whatever they have received of a nature to encourage and rejoice the pious heart, they do most willingly communicate. From the statements of the churches, it would appear that the external prosperity of our Zion is not on the decline. With but few exceptions, the ordinances of the gospel are not only regularly administered, but treated with undiminished respect. About 700 members have been added to the churches the past year, of whom a large proportion are from the world.

The religious instruction of children in Sabbath schools, and catechetical lectures, and of the youth by means of Bible classes, continues to employ the united labours of the churches and their pastors. A broad foundation is thus laying for the future progress of the Gospel, both among the rising generation, and through their enlightened instrumentality.

The monthly concert for prayer has not been neglected, nor have the churches withheld their patronage or their prayers from the charitable societies which had before enjoyed them. A spirit of harmony has also pervaded the different members of their body to a degree which calls for public thanks to the Divine Spirit, by whose gracious influences the children of God are united in the strong bonds of Christian fellowship and love. Such are some of the encouraging facts, presented in the reports of the churches, to which it is, however, necessary to subjoin others of a less favourable character.

The Presbytery of Long Island have not realized those desirable visitations of the Spirit, to which, at the last meeting of the Synod, their anticipations and their prayers appeared to be directed. No special revival has occurred in any of their churches. With the exception of one or two places, where some hopeful indications of Divine influence have been observed, the spirit of slumber seems to have pervaded that entire section of the church. The Synod had hoped for better things, nor do they cease to pray or to believe, that he who giveth the Holy Spirit to those who ask him, will yet water and make fruitful, that portion of his heritage.

The Presbytery of Hudson present an account somewhat more favourable of the state of religion within their bounds. The accession of members to some of the churches has been considerable, while the prayerfulness and individual interest in those churches have in some degree corresponded to the blessing received. The congregation of Middletown, in particular, has been favoured of God, with a revival, as the fruits of which more than thirty persons have already made profession of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. In the month of March a revival commenced in Forestburgh, a small vacant congregation, which was very general and powerful. All ages and conditions of men are represented as having felt and rejoiced in its influence.

The North River Presbytery express their lamentations at the lukewarmness and general indifference to the Spirit's influences, which prevail both among ministers and people. Nor is the representation materially relieved by the existence in one or two churches of a more promising state of feeling.

Of the second Presbytery in the city of New-York it may be said, that the congre

gations which compose it are flourishing; nor does the state of the churches present, in general, any peculiar grounds for discouragement. Some of them have received during the past year, very considerable additions of members. With respect to the church in Pearl-street, they have been chiefly from the world, and afforded an encouraging evidence of God's gracious presence in the religious assemblies of his people.

The Presbytery of New-York has experienced to some extent the special favour of the great Head of the church. Most of their congregations, which are in the city and its immediate vicinity, have considerably increased in the number of regular worshippers. Besides this encouraging circumstance, for which they, in common with the second Presbytery, are perhaps immediately indebted to the rapid increase of the population of the city, some of the churches have been visited with the gracious effusions of the Holy Spirit. The revival which was mentioned in the last narrative of Synod, as existing in the Rutgers'-street congregation, still continues, and presents nearly the same aspect it did a year ago. Its progress has among other things, served to evince, in no ordinary degree, the happy influence of youthful instruction, and unwearied pastoral visitation. A large number of the youth employed in the arduous and benevolent work of teaching Sabbath schools, have themselves been taught of the Spirit, to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and have already made profession of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. The Central Presbyterian church at the present time is blessed with an unusual measure of Divine influence. The churches in Orangestreet and Spring-street have had large additions made to their number of communicants. Several other congregations present an unusually serious aspect, and the hope is cherished of ere long seeing a more extensive work of God among them.

The various charitable associations for extending the Redeemer's kingdom, whose direction devolves principally upon the churches in the city of New-York, continue to be conducted with the same prudence, and untiring zeal and energy, which have heretofore distinguished them. It is deemed unnecessary for the Synod to repeat their recommendation of them in detail. They would, however, direct the attention of the churches under their care, particularly to the United Domestic Missionary Society, as having peculiar claims upon their patronage. This association, whose object is happily expressed in the motto of Charity at Home," has, during the last year, extended its aid to many of the feeble and infant congregations within our bounds. The result of its endeavours must be to build up the waste places, and trench upon the moral