though with some variations, speak substantially the same language as in Goojurat Proper, we have in all probability a population of between eight and nine millions, of which by far the greater part are Hindus. Now, my dear brethren, fix your minds on this mass of immortal beings. What is their religious and moral character, and what are their prospects in reference to that eternity on which they must soon enter? Alas! with few, very few exceptions, they are without Christ, have no hope, and are without God in the world. Though many of them verbally admit the existence of one Supreme Being, yet their ideas of his nature, perfections, and government, are so gross, absurd, and contradictory, as plainly to show that He in whom they live, and move, and from whom they receive all things, is to them "the Unknown God." Many, for example, speak of God as existing in all things, and of all things as existing in him. They say that he is in stones, bricks, and treesin the sun, moon, and stars-in fire, water, and air-that whatever is, flows from him and returns back to him-that what speaks in man, gives sound in wood, or smell in any substance, is God-that no actions are to be called bad, because God performs them all-and that the consequences of all actions spring up like plants from seed, and cannot be prevented. Others speak of him as having no connexion at all with this world, neither its Creator, Preserver, nor Judgethey say he neither sees nor hears, loves nor hates, knows nor regards any thing or being in the universe; but lives without attributes, in a state of profound unconsciousness, at an amazing distance from this world, without the least mental exercise whatever; that he has nothing to do with creatures, nor they with him! Surely this is neither more nor less than a system of complete practical Atheism! Both systems, however, often mix with each other, and it is highly probable that the first, Pantheism, forms the foundation of the second, Polytheism, and becomes the groundwork of their whole scheme of "gods many and lords many." According to the popular notions of this people, from a principle of unavoidable fatality, in some unknown period of the past, he whom they call God became possessed of self-consciousness, roused himself from his slumbers, and caused to emanate from himself a being, who is called Brahmá, by whom all other things and beings were produced. But the statements of their books, and the ideas which the people generally entertain, are so conflicting as to put it beyond the power of man to say how all this came about. They also speak of three hundred and thirty millions of gods and goddesses whom it is their duty and interest to worship in addition to, and even to the entire neglect of Him from whom they receive every favour. Whence they obtained this amazing number, or for what reasons they have swelled the catalogue of their deities to this amount, cannot be accounted for satisfactorily. Perhaps as new emergencies arose in the minds of these bewildered people, they went on multiplying their gods and goddesses, and assigning to them their respective functions, till they reached the present number. Hence every element of nature in the heavens above, the earth beneath, and the waters under the earth; each variety of trees, grain, and vegetables; every island, peninsula, and continent; every mountain, hill, and valley; every hamlet, village, town, and city; every river, lake, bay, gulf, sea, and ocean; every real and fictitious place, thing, and being, in heaven, earth, and hell, has its traditional story and tutelary god or goddess, ghost, hobgoblin, or devil. Hence every division in the whole circle of science, and each department of trade and labour, war and peace, in all their degrees and intermediate states; every disease which attacks man or beast, fowls or fishes, insects or reptiles; every individual of human kind, from the highest Brahman, king, or sage, to the lowest of the vulgar throng, from infancy to old age, from birth to death, and from death till he obtains, according to his ideas, final unconsciousness in the ocean of spirit from which he emanated; each thing, state, and character, has a presiding deity assigned to it from among this fabled family of gods and goddesses! (To be continued.) AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN EAGLETON,* NATIVE TEACHER AT SALEM. IMPRESSED with the importance of raising up a native agency in India, to promote the spread of Divine truth, our brethren are actively engaged in endeavouring to secure that object; and at several of the Stations, such efforts are attended with a growing measure of encouragement. At all the Stations the work has been marked with difficulty, and at some with peculiar trial; but the Missionaries persevere, in reliance upon Him who alone can provide suitable labourers to send into his harvest. At Salem, six native assistants are employed, and of these our • Formerly named Barnabas. brother, Mr. Walton, speaks in the most gratifying manner. They appear to be men of God, and truly devoted to their work. From the accounts respecting them, forwarded by Mr. Walton, we give the following in reference to the native teacher, John Eagleton, to whom the Lord has richly manifested his grace, and whose labours it is hoped will, through that mercy which he has himself so abundantly received, be blessed to many of his fellow-countrymen. The individual referred to thus writes concerning himself :— My father, whose name was Anthony, was a Catechist of the Roman Catholic Church at Coonacoopum, in the Zillah of Verdachellum. In that village I was born, in the year 1789. When I was seven years old my father died, and my mother was placed in very destitute circumstances, on account of my father's relatives refusing to afford her the smallest assistance. This being the case, the Roman Catholic Missionary of my native village had pity upon me; educated and brought me up till I was eleven years old. My four uncles then came and took me away from my kind benefactor. About that time my mother died. I continued with my uncles about three months, when they left me under the care of the Cutwall* of Salapetta, and proceeded to Madras. This person, who was a Mohammedan, also acted very kindly towards me, brought me up as one of his own children, and instructed me in the Tamil and Hindustanee languages. It was his intention to make me a Mohammedan. To defeat his purpose, I went away to Madras, where I was engaged as a servant; in which capacity I lived with several gentlemen, and travelled with them at various times through different parts of the country. In the year 1809, I came again to Madras, and remained there several years. During my stay I became acquainted with a truly pious Christian of the Methodist connexion; he used to take much pains to instruct me in the Christian religion; but his kind exertions then produced no good effect on my mind. I had occasion to leave Madras for Cochin; and on my return I found this kind friend on his death-bed. Before he died he spoke to me, and strongly advised me to read the word of God, and seek to become a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. The dying exhortation of my friend produced a strong, deep, and lasting impression on my mind. Soon after, I obtained a tract against Popery from a Missionary. In reading that book, I was led to see that the religion professed by Papists cannot be the religion contained in the Bible. Serious thoughts began to arise in my mind of what I should do to be saved. I began to feel an alarm for the dangerous condition I saw myself in, and to be sorry for the wicked life I had led. While I was in this frame of mind, I received a letter • Constable. from my brother, requesting me to come to Coonacoopum. I did so, taking with me a portion of the sacred Scriptures, which was my constant companion; and if there were any passages I could not understand, I used to pray that God in his providence would direct me to a place where I might be taught by his servants. My nephews reported my conduct to the Roman Catholic priest that I was constantly reading a book called Suve-Shashumt. I was very much afraid that he would get angry and deprive me of my situation; but, to my great joy, I found that he did not entertain the opinion held by the generality of the Romish priests regarding the sacred Scriptures, and which leads them strictly to prohibit the people from reading them. At first he gave them no answer; but, as they continued to trouble him with the same complaint, he replied, "That there was no harm in perusing the Gospel, and it would be well if they and all Roman Catholics had imitated my example." Finding that I could not conscientiously join in the image-worship and other ceremonies observed by the Church of Rome, which I found to be contrary to the word of God; and hearing that a Missionary of the Protesant Christian faith was at Salem, I left my native village, and came to this station, solely with a view to obtain further Christian instruction. The late Rev. Henry Crisp received me very kindly, spoke to me for a considerable time, and put into my hands Luke's and John's gospels, and several tracts. I remained at Salem five days in the house of Mr. Isaac David, who also instructed me. I went back to my native village, with the intention of bringing my wife to Salem, to live and die there under the preaching of the Gospel. On my arrival I found my wife had gone to reside with her relations at Shedambarum, whither I went. Owing to the famine then being very prevalent in various parts of India, I did not return immediately. In the year 1834, I and my wife came to Salem. On expressing our wish to join the church, the Rev. Mr. Walton put us on trial for a few months, instructed us further in the Christian religion, and by baptism, admitted us as members of the church of Christ; in which happy connexion we have, by the grace of God, continued thus far. It is my sincere + Gospel. prayer that I may enjoy the fruit of eternal life, which can only be obtained by a life of faith in the Son of God. Mr. Walton adds:-John Eagleton is a pious and truly devoted Christian; has good qualifications, and is apt to learn; but is at times rather irritable in his temper. This he regrets, and by prayer and watchfulness endeavours to subdue it. Lately I had been preaching on the sin of Moses and Aaron. He came to me and said, "The discourse which I heard from you has made a deep impression on my mind. Oh! if God had dealt with me on account of my temper as he did with Moses and Aaron, I should never be permitted to see the heavenly Canaan. May I always attend and abide by the exhortation of my Divine Master to watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation."" God is able to make all grace abound towards those whom he has taught to trust in him-Oh! what wonderful changes has grace wrought in the souls of men! John Eagleton is acquainted with three languages-the Tamil, (his native tongue,) Hindustanee, and Teloogoo. He has charge of the Teloogoo school in Sheva Petta, and spends a portion of his time with me in my study, receiving instruction in theology. He is now studying Mr. Crisp's Lectures in Tamil; reads his Bible with deep and serious attention; and I have reason to conclude, that in time, through the blessing of God, he will become an able assistant in the Mission. He has a good knowledge of medicine, and is skilful in the cure of many diseases. I have appointed him as a fellow-labourer with John Hall in the out-station of the Mission at Racheepooram. Having been once a Roman Catholic catechist of some repute in his native village and in other parts, and being well known in these parts also, I think he will be very useful in making the Gospel known to the poor papists, who reside in great numbers in many of the ad. joining villages of Racheepooram. PHILIPPOLIS, SOUTH AFRICA. IN May, 1837, Mr. Atkinson, the Missionary at this Station, spent several days itinerating in the distant parts of the district. He experienced a cheering reception at nearly all the Bechuana kraals which he visited, and the truths of the Gospel appeared to make a more than ordinary impression on the minds of several of the natives. Mr. Atkinson's journal, containing a statement of his labours at this period, supplies the interesting particulars which are appended : May 9.-Left home, accompanied by my Bechuana interpreter, and another, who is also an inquirer, for my driver and leader, to make an excursion among the Griquas in this district, with the view of reviving their attention on the subject of their spiritual and eternal interests. I was unable to reach any farm that night, and therefore spanned out in an open plain. The weather was cold and rainy. May 10.-After riding several hours over a flat and uninteresting country, I came to the farm of one of the Griquas, and found a considerable number of people there from another fountain. I invited them to remain a little while, and held a short service. Spoke from Hebrews ix. 27. All were eager for tracts and spelling-books. I gave them as many as I could spare, and some sheet-lessons for the school at Toom Fountain, to which most of them belonged. Rode on to a large kraal of Bechuanas: about sixty sat round the fire by my waggon, and I exhorted them from John iii. 16. Spent some time after the service in conversing with those that remained, and had an interesting evening with them. May 11.-The people assembled again, and before leaving I addressed them from John iii. 3. They listened most attentively. They are too far from Philippolis to attend Divine service there; consequently, many of them had never heard the Gospel before. May some lasting good result from this interview! Went on to Round Fountain, where I spent some time in conversing with two candidates for church-fellowship, who reside there. In the afternoon visited the school, which is conducted by a Bechuana baptised in Cape Town. There were 27 children present, and I was on the whole pleased with the manner in which the school was conducted. After the school, the people assembled for Divine service; about 40 being present. Addressed them from Ezek. xviii. 31. Shortly after my return home, this place was let out to a farmer from the colony; in consequence of which the people residing there were obliged to remove, and the school was broken up. The teacher, as well as most of the people, are at present unsettled; but I may, per haps, be able to make some arrangement for his being again employed. May 12.-Had worship in the school before leaving; read and expounded part of Luke xv. Gave tracts to those who could read, and left some lessons for the school. Observed that the locusts had made sad ravages over the country through which I was travelling. Arrived a little before sunset at a place where there were several In the evening held kraals of Griquas. service in one of the houses, (the round mathouses of the country.) About forty were in and about the house. Spoke to them on Matt. xvi. 26, endeavouring to show them the immense value of the soul, and the importance of seeking salvation by Jesus Christ. This evening is the Missionary communion in London. Many prayers are now being offered to God for Missionaries, and for the heathen. Oh that this poor and ignorant people may receive a share of the blessings implored! May 13.-Finding that this place was surrounded with other kraals, and that I could collect a large congregation on the Sabbath, I concluded on remaining here till Monday. Admonished the people to have their children instructed, and at length found a young man who was willing to undertake the duty. Gave him some sheet-lessons, and spellingbooks to a few who were eager to learn. Walked to another kraal, about three miles distant. After a little conversation with the people, I requested them to attend the services on the following day, which they promised to do. In the evening had family worship in one of the houses. Read and expounded part of John iv. May 14.-Sabbath. I was not disap- May 15.-Set off early for Uitkomst, the 359 Had Furnished the teacher, a young woman, May 16.-Found that the alarm had quite subsided, and that the Uitkomst people were preparing to return home. However, I got them together, with several Corannas, snow. The May 17.-Rode to Schiet Fountain, where I found the people busy treading out corn with horses. As they could not then leave their work, I stayed that night, and had service in the evening. Found several who could read, and gave them tracts. May 18.-Called at another fountain on my way home, but found no one there except a few Bechuanas, who were left in charge of the place. After a little conversation with them, through my interpreter, I left them, and came on to Philippolis, where I arrived in safety soon after sunset, happy and thankful to find my dear family well, and welcomed by those of the people who reside here. May this journey be followed with beneficial and lasting effects, and conduce to the salvation of many souls! DEATH OF MRS. CHARLES MILLER, AT NEYOOR, SOUTH TRAVANCORE. WITH heartfelt sorrow and concern the Directors have received intelligence of the death of Mrs. Miller, the beloved wife of their highly valued brother, the Rev. Charles Miller, of Travancore. Ardently devoted to the service of her Saviour in this part of the Missionary field, our lamented sister had been pursuing a most exemplary course of usefulness in the schools connected with the Neyoor station; but He who, with equal mercy, giveth and taketh away, has seen it best to remove her from the scene of these truly laudable exertions. The period of her residence in India, at the commencement of which she became the wife of our now afflicted brother, had been brief-she lived not to the close of a second year when, amidst prospects to each the most bright and encouraging, and mutual hopes of DEATH OF MRS. AMONG the Mission families in India, deep calls unto deep. From the number of our friends there, in Divine Providence, another and another is taken hence. Scarcely had the mournful tidings from Travancore reached the Directors, when communications from our beloved brother, the Rev. W. H. Drew, brought intelligence that to him a similar bereavement had been allotted. But, even to this, affliction has been added. Our brother is left widowed, and almost childless too. In one day, the 20th of February last, he was deprived by death of his excellent and devoted wife and youngest child, having only four days previously been called to mourn the death of his son still in infancymost dear to his paternal heart, the loved object of many a fond hope and earnest prayer. At a still earlier period, Mr. Drew lost another beloved child, we believe his eldest; and only one, a little girl, now remains of all most dear to him in life. But lengthened and united service in this holy cause, the Lord, to whom she had rendered herself a living sacrifice, called her to enter into his joy. She died on the 22nd of December, 1837, after a short illness, in the faith of the Gospel, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God, acknowledging his hand, and cheerfully resigned to his will. The Directors, uniting with many friends similarly affected, offer to their bereaved brother the assurance of their tenderest sympathy, praying that He who healeth the broken in heart may afford his richest consolations, and graciously sanctify this deep affliction, that the love and wisdom from which it has proceeded may, though after many days, be made fully manifest, and that which now appears dark and inscrutable become light and joy in the Lord! DREW AT MADRAS. our brother is not left comfortless. We rejoice in the persuasion that, although he feels these afflictions at present to be indeed grievous, yet he is enabled to gain support by the exercise of faith in God, to draw consolation from the remembrance, that she who has gone before him held fast her faith unto the end, and is now, with her children, rejoicing in the presence of Him who has said, "Because I live, ye shall live also." We trust that our brother will likewise derive a measure of comfort from the consideration that many, many hearts cherish towards him the most affectionate sympathy, and would rejoice, were it in their power, to heal his Our prayer is, that these most painful trials may be abundantly blessed of God, and through his unfailing compassion, grace, and wisdom, be at length converted into sources of hallowed and abiding joy. sorrows. SCHOOL MATERIALS, &c., FOR THE BERBICE MISSION. On behalf of this Mission, the general progress of which, during the past year, has been so truly encouraging, the Directors have much pleasure in inserting the following application from their brother, the Rev. Samuel Haywood. The Station which he occupies (Orange Chapel, Blyendaal) was never in so interesting a condition as at the present time, and the articles specified are of a kind which, under existing circumstances, would prove of the greatest service. In one of his most recent communications, Mr. Haywood thus writes:-"We should be glad if any Christian friends would furnish us with a number of lamps, writing books, paper, pens, or other articles of stationery; tracts and small religious books for presents to our dear people, and the children in our schools; clothing, such as pincloths, shirts, and frocks of various kinds, for the negro children, some of whom are obliged to stay from school for the want of them. The nearer we approach the termination of the apprenticeship, the more are such things needed." The Directors would be happy to receive at the Mission House, Blomfield-street, contributions of the above description, which they would forward by the earliest conveyance to the colony. |