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Notes of the Month.-General.

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presented by the Brown University, United States, with the diploma of D.D., and this year Mr. Brock has received the same honour from the oldest and most important American College, Harvard.

and that very soon some of their largest cathedrals will be without congregations. Io Sardinia, the priests suspended by the Pope for sympathy with Italian freedom are meeting with special favor from the King and people. Some have been elected professors, and others appointed over educational establishments. The people are crying out, 'Give us true religion, without either pope or priests.' Mazzarella, also, the distinguished Protestant preacher, well-years since we had such a wet summer,

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known for his Critique on Science,' a book adapted to lead the thoughtful to Christ, has been offered by Victor Immanuel, and has accepted the chair of philosophy in Bologna, the first university in Italy. Both facts are significant and hopeful.

The Princites have again come before the public eye. Prince, the archimposter, it will be remembered, proclaimed himself equal with the Saviour, and the Holy Ghost incarnate. A community was founded called the Agapemone, or abode of love, near Bridgewater. Several rich ladies swallowed his lies, and handed over to him their property. One has recently died, and her brother has obtained in a suit of law a verdict which obliges Prince to disgorge some six thousand pounds. Another ex-Princite, one Price, a clergy man, has made two or three attempts to deliver his wife from Prince's meshes, but at present without success.

Quakerism is seeking to arrest decay by abolishing the law enforcing certain well-known peculiarities of dress and speech, and exclusion for marrying out of society.'

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Mr. Spurgeon has returned from his continental tour. A large meeting was held on Tuesday, August 21st, in his new tabernacle, and nearly a thousand pounds additional subscriptions obtained. Last year, Baptist Noel was

GENERAL.

Two topics occupy the public attention, to the exclusion of almost every otherthe weather and Garibaldi. It is many

some say, not since 1816. The hay has been stacked in a very indifferent condition, and the gloomiest apprehensions are entertained about the corn crops. The newspapers report that all districts even in this country, have not been equally visited with the drenching rains, and that already some grain has been 'shocked.' The potatoes have suffered, both in Ireland and elsewhere; but it is too early to predict what will be the average character of the crops.

Garibaldi, whose life reads more like a romance than sober fact, has added another chapter to his exploits. He has landed at Melito, on the peninsula of Italy, taken Reggio, and is said to be marching northwards. More than eight thousand men are with him. Every day his situation becomes more critical. One of his English soldiers has been in London, soliciting volunteers and money. It is said that five bundred men have flocked together at his call, some of independent means, and all of highly respectable connections. Lord Palmerston, when asked in the House, if he knew anything about the business of Captain Styles and his party, said, he supposed a number of English gentlemen had agreed to go over to see what Etna was doing! The Prussians have sent volunteers and arms, and the Swiss. The presentation rifle Garibaldi recently received from the

country of William Tell called forth a characteristic letter from the Italian liberator.

Spain is not to be admitted to the Council of the Great Powers. Another change in the administration is imminent. O'Donnel refuses to send aid to the Pope; and has excited the ire of the Queen. She and some members of her court are doing penance in true Papist style, and with a two-fold object in view-the help of the saints and the Virgin for the Pope, and atonement for the sins of Victor Immanuel! Pio Nono has been offered a home in Spain; but as he recently declared his intention to die in Rome, rather than desert his post, as in 1848, Spanish hospitality is not likely to be put to the test. Napoleon's letter to Count Pesigny indicates his desire to maintain friendly relations with this country, and should be accepted in good faith. Cobden assures us that he has more difficulty with the suspicious English over the French treaty than with the volatile French.

Fresh massacres are reported in Syria. This time, not by Druses, but by a Turkish regiment, sent to protect

the Christians at Baalbec. A French force is on its way to the East. Some of the Turkish governors are in custody. The Sultan has written a second autograph letter to Victoria.

The Queen reviewed a large force of volunteers in Edinburgh on her way to Balmoral. She is to visit Germany during the present month. The Prince of Wales is just now the most popular man across the Atlantic. The Canadians are delighted with his unpretending and affable manners. Americans are anxiously looking out for his arrival. Great preparations are being made in New York for his reception. It is not improbable that this visit will destroy one of the stock-presidential cries of the Southerns-war with England.

A lady in Virginia, whose name we are happy to do our best to make more widely known-Miss Cornelia Barbour, whose father was once governor of Virginia, has resolved to emancipate all ber numerous slaves, and locate them in a free state. The late Lady Noel Byron, the poet's widow, who died in May last, has left £100 to some gentleman in Boston, United States, to aid him in the work of abolition.

Marriages and Deaths.

MARRIAGES.

August 8th, at Stoney-street, Chapel, Nottingham, Mr. William Freer, to Miss Martha Stack.

August 8th, at New Lenton Chapel, Nottingham, Mr. Samuel Durose, to Miss Emily Smedley.

August 22nd, at New Park-street Chapel, London, by Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, Rev. J. A. Spurgeon, Baptist Minister, Southampton, to Emily Georgiana, youngest daughter of General Sir John F. Burgoyne, Bart.

DEATHS.

May 3rd, at Old Lenton, Mr. John Woodward Hutchinson, aged 27.

July 28th, at Leeds, Joseph Town, He had been a deacon of the Baptist Esq., paper manufacturer, aged 56. Church, South-parade, Leeds, upwards of thirty-years.

August 9th, at Northallerton, Yorkshire, Mr. John Guthrie, aged 39. His end was peace. The deceased was highly respected. More than 500 persons gathered round his grave at the funeral.

Missionary Observer.

COLD SEASON TOUR BY MESSRS. | I had ever done before. BAILEY AND J. O. GOADBY.

Berhampore, March 24th, 1860.

It has been our privilege this cold season to make three very interesting tours into the districts around Berhampore, for the purpose of preaching unto the heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ. Our last was into San Kimidi, a tract of country lying on the other side the mountains to the west of Berhampore. We left our homes on Thursday evening, January 26th, and proceeding to our new location, there spent the night. On our arrival finding the native christian farmers had not returned home from their labours, we went to the enclosure, or native stack-yard, and notwithstanding it was evening found them hard at work, each measuring his own rice, getting part ready for paying rent and the rest for the market. With reference to the farm, this year has been more productive than any previous one. The rice is of a very fine quality. Next morning rising early, we made our way to Kurulà intending to spend the hottest part of the day in a grove near the town, and to proceed to Pàthapoor in the cool of the evening. Arriving at the former place, however, we found the tent of F. J. V. M-Esq, one of the proprietors of the Aska Factory, pitched in the grove. We were treated very hospitably by the above gentleman, and receiving a pressing invitation to stay all night, we complied, and proceeded to our own tent very early the following morning. Our road lay by the side of a river, and the morning being very foggy part of our ride was very cold and unpleasant. Midway passing a very large village, and the people running in large numbers to see the sahibs, we alighted from our horses and preached to a large congregation. The fog was very thick, and talking required a good effort, but I am thankful to say I enjoyed more liberty than

Our listeners heard well for a time, and then became noisy and troublesome. Nevertheless, the opportunity was a favourable one, and we hope the Spirit of the Living God blessed the truth spoken. The country around was most beautiful. Mango groves, patches of sugar cane, and timber trees of large size and great height, were everywhere to be seen. I was reminded more of woody Warwickshire than of the burning plains of India. Sugar cane is cultivated here to a very great extent. By 11 a.m., we arrived at Pathapoor, and found our tent pitched in a pleasant grove a short distance from the town. When we can we prefer this, as the children and idlers do not loiter round our tent so much, and any one desiring to have conversation with us, on the subject of religion, can come and do so freed from the restraint the natives always appear to labour under, when many of their neighbours are with them. After bathing and breakfast, we went into Pathapoor. The native preachers had preceded us, and when we made our appearance were holding forth with all their wonted zeal and earnestness. I do love to hear our dear native brethren plead with their fellow countrymen. There is so much real earnestness in their appeals, such an almost irresistible power in their peculiar mode of address, and the 'I know it-have felt it,' in reference to their experience of idolatry, and christianity carries with it such a deep truthful sincerity, that cannot fail to impress their listeners with the thought, these are earnest men who seek our good. Native agents must and always will have an influence missionaries can never secure ; till missionary work is no longer needed, they will be mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Wishing to make two preaching parties Mr. Bailey and Jaganath went to another part of the town. Balajee, the other native preacher and myself, remaining where we were. A hymn was sung about the

foolishness of applying to any one else | I found him sitting in the doorway of a but Jesus for ease to the troubled large shed-like building, in which a mind, and how in His love and death, good number of the most respectable all may obtain peace to their souls. of the villagers were assembled, holdThe people listened very attentively, ing a discussion with them on the for the natives are very fond of singing, merits of one of their shastres. They and when at the close they were asked appeared to feel the force of the argutheir opinion of the hymn, to a man ments used against the doctrine they acquiesced in the sentiment it written in their sacred books, frequently contained. But when reproved for exclaiming," true! true!" and we left not following what they believed to be them after distributing books which true, their old excuse was brought for- were eagerly received, much pleased ward, everything is written in our fore- with the earnestness with which they heads, at the same time acknowledging had listened. such a doctrine would not work in In the evening on going to another their every-day life. A long discussion part of Pathapoor we passed a temwas held concerning the transmigra-porary building surrounded with a tion of souls. The hindoo notwithstanding his professed belief in the same, evidently having to encounter as much difficulty in his endeavours to get clear of this maze of mazes as any one else. They believe they know not what. Before leaving we offered a man who had been very talkative, a tract which he refused to accept, saying his religion was quite enough for him, he wished to know no other. On joining Mr. Bailey we found him surrounded with eager listeners. Among them was an old man, who it was asserted had received some wonderful cures through the goodness of his favourite deity Mahadabe. The old idolater who was tottering with age, and evidently nearing the borders of eternity, at the mention of the name of his god, fired with enthusiasm and with much animation, gave his own version of the tales. Mr. B. playfully patting bis bald head, told him he had been deceiving himself for many years, and urged him to flee while there was yet time to Jesus the only Refuge. The rest appeared to appreciate this familiarity. Kindness and familiarity are never without their influence in this heathen land. In the end all heard well.

The next morning we rose early to visit a village a good distance. The ride was long and the sun high before we arrived. Again we divided into two parties, this time Jaganath being my companion. Some of the people heard well, but others plied us with hosts of questions. I gave them some books, and then went to join Mr. Bailey.

fence of thorns. Outside were a number of musicians frantically beating their drums, or tomtoms, and blowing out their cheeks in vain attempts to get music out of cracked trumpets. Hearing the hubbub of voices within the enclosure, our curiosity was excited, and we crossed over the way to have a peep. A boy nine years of age was about being invested with the poita, or sacred braminical thread, and a large concourse of people were gathered together to witness the ceremony. Several seeing us peeping beckoned to us, and others cried 'come in sahibs.' As there was something rather strange in being allowed to enter, years back no amount of money would have purchased the privilege, we entered. The building was open on all sides. On the floor raised, two feet or more, seated in a circle were a number of brahmins. In the centre a wood fire was burning, on which a large quantity of ghee, or clarified butter, was thrown, the fumes being anything but agreeable. Around the fire and close to it were lying several wooden spoons, and a large fork-likelooking instrument of the same material. Several brass vessels containing oil were standing near with several other curious articles.

The brahmins muttering their sacred charms, squatted around the fire, and according to the rites of the ceremony repeatedly threw ghee upon it. These popish-like enchantments being concluded, a grey-headed brahmin whom Mr. B. recognized as an old mendicant, and who appeared to be the most im.

Cold Season Tour by Messrs. Bailey and J. O. Goadby.

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portant man in the whole group, stood | phase will always have its attractions up, took the poita and holding it above even when the religious is entirely lost. his head, continued his mutterings A number of people staying behind, with more energy than before. The Mr. Bailey spoke to them on the sacred thread was given to the next absurdity of all the show and nonsense person, and afterwards, handed round they had just witnessed, and with very the whole circle each chanting the good effect. On leaving the village we same stanza. The boy to be invested, again came up with the procession, then made his appearance dressed in a and this time the people having pity gaudy cloth of red and yellow, and our ears, stopped their tomtoms standing in front of the brahmins who until we had passed. As we returned now formed themselves into a semi- home to our tent my feelings were circle, the poita was duly put over his various and saddened. I was glad I bad head resting on his left shoulder, and been allowed to see this ceremony for hung down underneath his right arm. more reasons than one, but grieved at Another brahmin then got up and ap- heart for the ignorance of the people. proaching the boy painted several stripes and dots on the little rogue's forehead with vermillion and white. Afterwards came the barber who painted his feet. A crown made of pith, and beautified according to the hindoo taste, was placed upon his head, with tassels over each ear, a necklace of flowers was then thrown around his neck. This done: shells and the aforementioned cracked trumpets, were again blown, and drums beaten until the noise was deafening. After this the gyatree was sung. This is a very sacred stanza.

The ceremony then ended, and the lad according to custom prepared to leave his father's house to wander about as an ascetic, begging from door to door. Two bundles were then given to him, one containing a little uncooked rice, the other a copy of the shastres, and a few cooking utensils. These were thrown over his left shoulder, the one hanging before, the other behind. Amid the renewed clamour of shells, cymbals, trumpets, and drums, the boy accompanied by his father, who held a gay umbrella over his head, and a host of noisy men and children proceeded to visit the temples in the village, to seek the favour of his god before commencing his begging excursion. Thus ended this piece of tom-foolery. And what is a reason for true gratitude, this, with all idolatrous rites of a similar character, is gradually loosing its religious hold upon the minds of the people. At times like these, money and a sumptuous feast are always looked for by the cunning brahmins. The latter

On the morning of the 30th our ride was again a long one. Whilst preaching I experienced much ease and great pleasure in making known the Saviour's dying love to men. I was soon however interrupted by a boishnob, who ran up full of rage declaring that as I had been reviling his god he would not allow me to speak any longer, but would speak himself. He commenced at once in good earnest to applaud the deeds of his own god, and trying in vain to silence him, Mr. B. came to my relief. He however failed to stop him. The man continued to shout aloud the name and greatness of his favourite deity. I was forcibly reminded of Demetrius and the Ephesians, they cried 'great is Diana of the Ephesians', he lifted up his hands and exclaimed, 'O Krushna! O Krushna! thou art great, thy name is great!' The man was evidently half drunk with arrack. The idea that the hindoos are abstemious in reference to alcoholic liquors is very erroneous. We are often assailed by drunken men, and I am afraid the practice of drinking is rapidly increasing. Temperance has few advocates among the natives. The fellow became so troublesome in the end that we were compelled to send him away. The attention of the people was however broken. They would not reason, would not hear, and seemed thoroughly mindless, their only argu ments being it is so, because it is so.' The evil deeds of their gods, though of such a character as to defile the tongue by description, were declared sinless because gods committed them. We were asked to sit down and talk

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