Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under the direction of the METHODIST CONFERENCE. BOMBAY MISSION. WE regret to learn, by the following letter from MR. HORNER, dated May 31, 1821, that the American Mission has sustained so great a loss in the death of one of its very valuable Missionaries, whose labours on this discouraging station have been highly exemplary to Missionaries of every Society. Our brethren are well; but they are yet uncheered by any progress. THE enclosed letter for America has been handed to me within the last hour, to be forwarded to you, requesting you to send it by the first opportunity. Its contents are of a distressing, and (I have no doubt) unexpected nature;-nothing less than intelligence of the death of MR. S. NEWELL, American Missionary, at this place. This painful event occurred yesterday, at 14 A. M. after a sickness of but a very few hours. His disorder was the cholera morbus, which is now most awfully prevalent here: it attacks Natives and Europeans, rich and poor alike; and the proportion of deaths to the number of cases in which medicine has been administered, exceeds any thing in former years. Respecting MR. NEWELL :-On the evening of the 29th instant I received a hasty note from our kind and respected friend MRS. HALL, wife of the Missionary of that name; in which she stated, that "she had just returned from MR. NEWELL's, and he was thought to be on his death-bed." MR. FLETCHER and I then immediately went to his house, to render any assistance in our power: he had been seized by the disorder during the afternoon, and was so much reduced on our arrival, as scarcely to know one person from another. He continued restless and uneasy, though saying nothing particular, during the whole of the evening, until between eleven and twelve o'clock, when nature being entirely exhausted, without a sigh, a struggle, or any convulsive motion, "the weary wheels of life at last stood still." MR. HALL, MR. KENNY, of the Church Missionary Society, MR. FLETCHER, and myself, and DR. TAYLOR, to whom we are all indebted for his kind attentions to us, did not leave the house until after MR. N. was dead. He was buried on the afternoon of the same day; and during the short time we were in the burying-ground, the bodies of six Europeans were brought in for interment ! Our Missionary number in Bombay is lessened, not only by the death of MR.. NEWELL, but by the removal of MR. BARDWELL, of the same Society; who left Bombay last January, to return to America; his constitution being quite broken up, by repeated and frequent attacks of liver complaints. These things are all calculated to depress the minds of those that still remain, and should call forth all our faith towards GOD, and energies in his service. May the means, however painful, accomplish every intended end! SOUTH INDIA MISSION. MADRAS.-The anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, for this station, was held on the 19th of June, and our brethren were kindly assisted by the Missionaries of other Societies. This liberal Auxiliary has raised, from Feb. 1820, to June 1821, 2207. sterling, in behalf of our funds; besides about 4007. which have been raised among the friends of the Mission there towards building the new Chapel. BANGALORE.-Our friends will recollect that the brethren MOWATT and HOGLE, who sailed from this country the last year, were appointed to this station, to which we had been invited to send Missionaries. The destruction of the Tanjore by fire, between Ceylon and India, detained them from their station for some time; and MR. HOOLE, for a few months, assisted MR. SQUANCE, in the Negapatam Mission. By the following letters it will appear that they have commenced their Mission at Bangalore, and have found it a Station which promises great usefulness among the heathen, without at all interfering with the labours of others. The excellent Chaplain of that place, and the Missionary of the London Society, received them with the kindness of brethren and fellow-labourers, in a field too large for the whole to occupy. A very unexpected, and, we trust, providential opening has also occurred at Seringapatam, the once celebrated fortress of TIPPOO SAIB, and the head-quarters of Mahomedan delusion in that part of India, where a number of persons had formed themselves into a religious society, and built a place of worship, but had been unsuccessful in their applications for a Minister. MR. CLOSE, who visited them from Bangalore, has transmitted a request from them, for the appointment of one of our Missionaries; and, till such an appointment can be made, they will be supplied from Bangalore, by MESSRS. MOWATT and HOOLE, alternately. Other most important and promising openings have presented themselves to the brethren, on their last visit to these parts of India; and whilst we adore that great over-ruling Providence, who, by his dispensations, is thus preparing the way for the manifestations of the Gospel, in this long-benighted country, we trust that they will excite anew the zeal and liberality of our friends at home; that the entreaties of so many people, calling upon us for help, from the very heart of heathenism, where every christian church will be eminently a city set upon a hill," and "a light shining in a dark place," may not be unanswered. Surely this is charity of the highest order; to encourage the incipient operations of our holy religion in a country where "Satan has his seat," and where its beneficent triumphs will be not less marked in the destruction of sanguinary superstitions, than in the enlightening and renewal of the mind in righteousness and true holiness. Extract of a Letter from MR. CLOSE, dated Madras, July 4, 1821. i I PROCEEDED to Bangalore in the month of April, where I met with Brother HOOLE. The REV. MR. MALKIN, the pious Chaplain, kindly received us. We found Bangalore a place of great importance, in point of population, where the prejudices of the natives do not run so high as those of the inhabitants of other parts of India. The opinion of the Brethren of the London Society, and also of MR. MALKIN, was, that there was here an extensive field for usefulness; the latter Gentleman observing, "there was sufficient room for all the Missionaries in this part of India." What the exact population is, we can form no estimate; but it is immense. There are likewise upwards of 2000 Europeans. The climate is delightful, and all sorts of English vegetables grow plentifully. The language principally spoken is Canarese, but a large Tamul congregation may be ob tained. From Bangalore I proceeded to Seringapatam. A few hours after my arrival, the Society of whom I had heard, came together. It consisted of a few non-commissioned English officers, and about thirty country-born persons. I believe most of the persons who compose this Society are pious. I sung and prayed with them, and then made inquiries relative to their proceedings. They informed me that they regularly met twice on the LORD's day, and read the liturgy and a sermon; and also met occasionally on week evenings, for the same purpose. They showed me their neat little church, which is built in the best part of the fort, about 40 feet long and 22 wide, with a verandah 10 feet wide, all round it, and ground sufficient for a garden and house. Their universal cry was, "Can you procure us a Missionary? We have applied in several quarters, but can get no Minister." The manner in which they expressed themselves, and the urgency with which they pleaded, affected me considerably; indeed, a perishing man could not have used stronger terms in entreating help, than they did in pleading for a Missionary. The following evening (Saturday) I preached the first sermon in the new place, from Col. iii. 11. The next morning, having engaged to marry two couples, with license from the commanding officer, I went to the church earlier than the time appointed, viz. about seven o'clock. I was induced to do this from hearing some natives singing there. On entering the church, I was much surprised to find a decent looking countryborn female engaged in performing divine service to a small native congregation, in Malabar; she read the prayers, and after the second lesson, I married the persons who were waiting. After this service was concluded, she read the remaining part of the morning service, and then an extract from a Tamul tract. All this was done with great propriety. Her congregation consisted of about 20, all apparently very attentive. On inquiry, I found that this female was the only person connected with the congregation who could read Malabar; and, under such circumstances, who could say, "I suffer not a woman to read in the church?" At ten I read prayers, preached, and administered the sacrament of the LORD's Supper to about 24. In the afternoon I read prayers, and preached again, and afterwards baptized six adults and some children. Many more applied for baptism; but as they had not been under sufficient previous instruction, I desired them to wait till some other Missionary came. On Tuesday evening, I again read prayers and preached, at Seringapatam, and then took my leave of this simple and affectionate people. May the LORD mercifully own my visit among them. On the eve of my departure I received the following letter, which I judged it best to send, trusting it will induce the Committee to think of them, and, if possible, grant their request. "We feel ourselves bound to acquaint you with our situation, as a congregation and religious society, at Seringapatam, trusting that you will interest yourself on our account; for we are as sheep without a shepherd. "About four years ago, two or three of us began to assemble ourselves together to read the prayers aud a sermon, agreeably to the forms of the Established Church. In the course of time our number increased, and in the end, we built, by subscription, a small church, 40 feet long and 22 broad, and in it we still continue to read prayers and a sermon; but we earnestly wish for a stated Minister, and have no doubt but our church will in a short time be too strait for us. "We have been often kindly assisted by the REV. MR., who has procured books, &c. for us, but he could not procure us a Minister. Now, Rev. Sir, if you will represent our case to your Committee in England, and try to procure us a Missionary, we will contribute what our circumstances will allow towards the Mission fund, and you will confer a great favour upon us. At the same time, Sir, we most ardently beg that you would become our teacher; but this our fervent wish, we fear, will not be complied with, as you are already fixed at Madras." Signed by "The Protestant Christians at Seringapatam." "To the REV. TITUS CLOSE." The island of Seringapatam is about three miles long and one broad. The number of inhabitants I should judge to be at least 50,000. Here a large Malabar congregation might soon be raised. The city of Mysore, and several very populous villages might be visited without expense, and many would gladly hear the Word of Life. Between Bangalore and Seringapatam there are many populous villages and native forts, and as we think it proper for the Brethren MOWATT and HOOLE to visit Seringapatam quarterly or oftener, till a Missionary is appointed, you may expect some further account of them. Extract of a Letter from MR. HOOLE, dated Bangalore, June 1, 1821. FROM all the information I can gain, and the observations I have made, Bangalore, considered in itself, appears to be a more important and promising place, as a Missionary Station, than I expected to find it. The Pettah of Bangalore, adjoining the Fort, is a square, regularly built town, fortified by a ditch and wall, and by a quantity of jungle, or thick underwood, permitted to grow on every side, with a view to hinder the swift approach of banditti, &c., who were accustomed to come upon them with incredible celerity, for the purpose of spoil and plunder. On the most moderate calculation, it contains 30,000 inhabitants. They support themselves by their manufactures and cultivation; and, it is said, would consider it a degradation to enter into the service of Europeans; so that although I have often made inquiries, I have not heard of a single instance of a Canaree becoming a servant. Their regard for their own (the Hindu) religion seems to be at a low ebb; for though they continue to mark their foreheads, and to use other private observances according to the rites of the gods they profess to serve, I am credibly informed, that there is not one temple in the Pettah in which service is performed by regular Bramins. There are here a considerable number of Mahomedans likewise, as well as in the other parts of the Mysore country, the descendants of those who were made to embrace that profession by the violent zeal of TIPPOO. The cantonment built for the accommodation of the forces maintained in this part of the country, lies about one mile distant from the Pettah. The Bungaloes, occupied by the British Officers, and other European residents, have much the appearance of a neat English village; the soldiers, about 2000 of whom are Europeans, are in barracks: the bazaars and huts, built by the followers of the army, form a town as large and populous as the Pettah itself; with few exceptions, these people speak Tamul, and understand no other language. Their state appears to be one of greater moral and religious degradation than that of the Canarees. To both Tamulians and Canarees there is no difficulty of access whatever; nor is opposition to the establishment of schools or preaching among them to be anticipated from any quarter. The REV. W. MALKIN, who preaches "the truth as it is in JESUS," has his Church well filled every Sabbath-day; and MR. LAYDLER, Missionary of the London Society, has built a chapel for the accommodation of those who may be desirous of attending his ministry. These circumstances leave us at liberty to "turn to the Gentiles," among whom there is a wide and unoccupied field, in some part of which, by the blessing of the LORD of the harvest, I hope to sce a religious society rise, and bear fruit, which shall redound to the glory of Him who hath called us. Thus, the importance of Bangalore alone is sufficient to confirm the Committee's appointment of two Missionaries to this Station. But when its immediate neighbourhood to Seringapatam is considered, its connexion with Mysore, Ossoor, Mundidroog, and many other native populous towns, in the vicinity, as well as its being the central mart for merchandise in this part of India, it appears to me that a more eligible Station could not have been chosen in the whole interior. The climate is accounted healthy; the mornings and evenings are cool, but the sun is very powerful in the course of the day. Owing to its elevated situation, showers of rain, accompanied by thunder-storms, are frequent, which accounts for the abundance produced here, in comparison with many other parts of the country. Extract of a Letter from MR. MOWATT, dated Bangalore, August 3, 1821. Ir is with peculiar pleasure, and, I trust, gratitude to GOD, that, at length, I address you from the Station to which I received my appointment at your hands. Taking a view of the various events which have occurred since my leaving England, I am led to acknowledge the kind interposition and care of my heavenly FATHER, and afresh to present myself a living sacrifice" to him. I believe you have already been informed of the decision of the Brethren, who, according to the appointments of our last District Meeting, visited Bangalore and Vellore, for the purpose of deciding upon the most eligible field for our labours. Bangalore being considered the most important spot, Mrs. Mowarr and myself left Madras, June the 12th, for that place, and arrived in safety, June 22d. Our journey, upon the whole, was a pleasant one. On our way, we spent a day with the REV. R. SMITH, Chaplain at Arcot. Both MR. and MRS. SMITH were particularly kind, and we were considerably encouraged and refreshed by their friendly and pious conversation. After taking leave of this kind family, we set forward on our way for Chettoor, which we reached the following morning, and spent Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, at the house of JOSEPH DACRE, Esq., one of the Judges in the Zillah Courts. I read prayers, preached, and administered the sacrament of the LORD'S Supper to a respectable European congregation. In the afternoon I baptized four adult natives, and administered the LORD's Supper to about fifty native Christians, many of whom, I believe, are ornaments to the christian name. On our arrival at Bangalore, we were most affectionately received by Brother HOOLE. He had resided, for the most part, at the REV. MR. MALKIN'S, since his arrival; but had prepared a small house for our reception. I felt unfeignedly thankful to GOD that I was again permitted to join my brother and fellow labourer in the Gospel of CHRIST, with whom I had frequently taken sweet counsel, and with whom I had suffered the loss of all things by the burning of the Tanjore. We renewed our deter mination to enter upon the work of GOD, and spend and be spent in his cause. Brother HooLE has already given you a description of our Station and our prospects. He has made considerable advances in the Tamul language, and has commenced out-door preaching in the way of reading Sermons or Short Addresses; and, I trust, as I have no English Service to attend to, as when at Madras, I shall soon follow his example. I hope I am not too sanguine when I say, the next letter you receive will contain information to this effect. Another pleasing subject of communication, is the peculiar spirit of inquiry and attention displayed by the people. Our first attempt at Tamul preaching in the house was on Friday, July 20th, and we had a congregation of twenty-, seven Natives, and on last Friday, thirty three; and these are from a comparatively small village adjacent to our house. This is a peculiarly favourable feature, as, in most parts of India, it is with the utmost difficulty that Heathens can be persuaded to enter any place of christian worship. We recommend to your attention the case of Seringapatam. From the account Brother CLOSE has furnished, who has lately visited that place, you will, in some degree, appre ciate its importance, and be able to decide upon the propriety of occupying it as a Mission Station. Brother HOOLE and myself, with the consent of our Chairman, have agreed to visit it alternately once a quarter, and make a stay of two or three weeks. Brother HoOLE is now at Seringapatam, and on his return, we hope to communicate a more circumstantial account. I trust we shall see good done at Bangalore. It is true we are but just entered upon the work; but the prospects which present themselves are of a truly pleasing nature, and the cause is the cause of GOD. Our hearts and our endeavours are united; but in the promised help of the HOLY SPIRIT is all our trust. SOUTH SEA MISSIONS. NEW SOUTH WALES.-The following short Extracts from a few Letters lately received, and which principally relate to matters of business, show that the Mission in the Colony is in a state of activity and progress. The circumstance, mentioned in MR. LAWRY's Letter, of a few pious soldiers, who received their first religious impressions under the Missionaries in New South Wales, having established Religious Worship in Van Diemen's Land, and thus commenced the Mission before the arrival of the Missionary, is very pleasing. The seed may be sown, but we know not where or how it will spring up. It is enough both for the Missionaries, and for Missionary Societies, that God has promised to prosper it. Extract of a Letter from MR. CARVOSSO, dated Windsor, May 12, 1821. THE account of my appointment to Van Diemen's Land reached us in the beginning of April, and though we would willingly have remained in our present comfortable Station a little longer, we fully acquiesce in the design of the Committee; believing the removal to be agreeable to the Head of the Church, and that it will be "for the furtherance of the Gospel." affection of all ranks of society. Our ministry, in most places, is well attended; in those places where it is not so, the cause is to be sought alone in the great neglect of all religious ordinances, which but too generally obtains throughout this land. I am persuaded we are taking the right method for the spread of the truth and power of religion, and that hereafter GOD will build up his church in the midst of this people: and though we not unfrequently now appear to be like the farmer sowing his seed amidst thick forests, and in the cavities of rocks, it will then be manifest we have not laboured in vain.“ With respect to this Mission, although I cannot, from my own knowledge of it, send you any accounts of remarkable outpourings of the SPIRIT, and the rapid spread of experimental and practical piety, yet the cause to which we are attached, is growing in the esteem and VOL. I. Third Series. JANUARY, 1822. I |