AGRA.

A large City, 800 miles N. W. of Calcutta. Abdool Messeeh, Native Reader. John Lyons, Superintendent of Schools. -Daniel, Schoolmaster.

The growing infirmities of Abdool debarred him from the pleasure of meeting his much-loved friend Mr. Corrie, on his return to India.

Mr. Corrie writes

Abdool maintains his Christian Character; but is almost disabled from labour, by a constant pain in his loins, which renders him unable to stand, even in reading Public Prayers.

The Corresponding Committee report -with much concern, that their faithful Native Missionary, Abdool Messeeh, has been long afflicted by severe bodily indisposition. This has occasioned many interruptions to his accustomed services in the Church, over which he is placed. He continues, however, to watch over his charge, and to employ all his little strength for their benefit.

Joyful in Christ," was given to the first of these Natives at his baptism. The Rev. Henry Fisher, Chaplain at Meerut, who baptized him, says—

He has since conducted himself highly to my satisfaction, and superintends the different Schools which we have established in the neighbourhood of Meerut.

Of the "Saadhs," discovered near Delhi, of whom we gave an account at pp. 17-20 and 204-206 of our last Volume, the Report of the Calcutta Committee thus speaks

Mr. Fisher's attention has been much drawn of late to a sect of Hindoos, who were first observed by Anund Messeeh in a tope (or grove) near Delhi." These separatists from the prevailing religion are called Saadhs. a name expressive of their great purity and devotion. When first seen by Anund, sanguine hopes were entertained that they were a people already well prepared for Missionary Labourers, by their previous knowledge and observance of the Christian Scriptures. But, from a recent 'and well-authenticated account of these people, lately received from Mr. Fisher, it appears that they are merely a Sect of Hindoos, who, re

gious Creed of their country, have, for a period of 40 or 50 years, professed principles of pure Deism.

Mr. Adlington visited Agra, as has been stated, and was much pleased with what hejecting the Sacred Writings and established Reliwitnessed there. The aid of a European Missionary is, however, urgently required, and much pressed by the British Residents. They generously contribute 40 Rupees monthly for the expenses of the Schools; and would probably provide for a Missionary, if one could be settled there, Mr. Lyons's diligence and zeal deserve the best thanks of the Society; but he can spare but little time from his own numerous avocations.

From the account here referred to, which we shall hereafter lay before our Readers, there appears to be a promising opening among these people. They are very ready to receive and to use our books, and to listen to Teachers. The Children are anxious to obtain instruction. Jysingh, one of the Saadhs, has opened a School, at the instance of Mr. Fisher, in the village of Kowaly, where he resides. He began with seven children; but, in the evenings, 30 men and children assemble to hear the old Saadh read a Chapter from one of the Gospels, after which they apply to learn

There were about 45 Scholars, who read the New Testament, in English and Hindoostanee. From 40 to 45 usually attended Public Worship. They are poor: but chiefly maintain themselves; the men bying. weaving, and the women by spinning.

Inayut Messeeh, nephew of Abdool,

MADRAS.

India-on the Bast Coast of the Peninsula.

1815.

who has much of his Uncle's mild spirit, The second of the three British Presidencies in was at Rewary, and likely to be very useful. Burruckut Ullah died in the Lord. Molwee Munsoor, greatly benefitted by sanctified affliction, was waiting recovered strength to go out and preach among the circumjacent villages.

C. Theoph. Ewald Rhenius, Bernard Schmid, G. T. Bärenbruck. Rayappen, Native Catechist.

The Rev. Joseph Fenn arrived here on the 19th of May, and the Rev. Messrs.. Bärenbruck and Baker on the 7th of July. Mr. Fenn and Mr. Baker proceeded to his Travancore: Mr. Bärenbruck was to stay, for the present, at Madras.

We refer to our last Vol. pp. 451 and 452, for further particulars; and to Appendix VIII to the Society's Eightteenth Report, for a Letter from Abdool the Secretary, written with accustomed simplicity.

to

MEERUT AND DELHI.

Meerut is a Town about 32 miles N. E. of Delhi;

Mr. Rhenius is proceeding in his revision of the Tamul Bible. He has made various excursions, as to Vadadelli and Con

which is a large City, 976 miles N. W. of Calcutta, jeveram, for the purpose of preaching, con

by way of Birbhoom.

1815.

Anund Messeeh, Native.
Jysingh, Native.

The name of Anund Messeeh, signifying

versation, distribution of the Scriptures and Tracts, and the establishment of Schools. His Journal for the year 1817, printed in Appendix XI to the Eighteenth Report of the Society, fully developes his course of

7

The Schools are still on the increase. Another has been since added, containing 120 Scholars.

racter of 66
a man of much prayer:" but
the situation being found too arduous for
his declining years and health, he was suc-
ceeded, in October, 1817, by his Archdea-
con, George, who has taken the name of
Mar Dionysius. He cordially enters into
the views of the Resident and of the Society.

Mr. Strachan, a Member of the Corre-
sponding Committee, had great satisfaction,
on occasion of a visit to Tranquebar, in
the inspection of 376 of the Children, who
were assembled for that purpose in the
Church.

Mr. Schnarrè has some very promising Young Men in training for Catechists and Schoolmasters. He receives valuable assistance, in his School-labours, from the Superintendent and the Catechist. His other labours, in preaching, &c. increase, as he becomes more familiar with the language.)

PALAMCOTTA.

A School had been erected, and the whole Mission Premises put in repair; when a destructive fire broke out, and burnt down the School and Dwelling House. Her Highness, the Rannee of Travancore, when she heard of the fire, ordered all the timber necessary for repairs. The Rev. Mr. Spring, Chaplain at Tellicherry, very kindly collected 455 Rupees toward the expenses of rebuilding the premises.

In March last, there were 43 Scholars in an English Charity School, and 9 Des

A Town in the S. W. part of the Peninsula, about titute Children in the Free School.
400 miles from Madras.

1817.

Robert Graham, English Schoolmaster.

Gahagan, Malabar Schoolmaster.

This place was but ill provided with instruction, before the arrival of the present Chaplain, the Rev. James Hough. He has successfully exerted himself, in the remedying of this evil; and has been cordially supported therein by his Congregation. In one School for English, there were 54 Scholars; and in two, for Malabar, 135. (See our last Vol. pp. 150 and 151.

ALLEPIE.

A large Town on the Malabar Coast-40 miles from
Cochin, 60 North of Quilon, and 120 North of Cape
Comorin-13,000 Inhabitants-in the vicinity of the
Syrian Christians. The Inhabitants consist of
Moormen, Parsces, Gentoos, and Roman Catholics.
Roman Catholics are numerous, especially among
the Half-caste Portuguese.

1816.

Thomas Norton.

COTYM.

A Village of 300 Inhabitants, on the Malabar Coast, about 18 miles from Allepie, and very near to the New Syrian College.

1817.

Benjamin Bailey, Joseph Fenn.

Mr. Bailey reached Cochin, overland from Madras, on the 16th of Nov. 1816;

and was fixed, in the beginning of 1817, at the Syrian College, by Colonel Munro, the Resident of Travancore, in order to superintend its affairs.

Mr. Fenn, who arrived at Madras, May 19, 1818, was to proceed to Travancore; and would probably engage in the assistance of the Syrian Christians, in whose restoration and future usefulness among the surrounding Natives he feels very warmly interested.

De College is a large and handsome structure. It is situated in a pleasant, open spot, on the bank of a fine river. It

is designed for 40 Students, preparing for the Priesthood: 30 had assembled. Some of the most promising learn English.

Mr. Norton has proceeded in acquiring Malayalim. It was expected that the Church, building on the land presented to the Society, would be opened last May. The Syrian Clergy have begun to aban-Through the liberality of her Highness, don the Celibacy which they had adopted has been the Rannee of Travancore, the College from the Roman Catholics: 41 had enendowed, by Benefactions, presented at the instance of the dent, amounting to 21,000 Rupees. foundation-stone of the College Chapel was laid Dec. 1, 1817. A Library and a Printing-Press will be furnished by the Society.

gaged to marry. For further particulars,
see our last Volume, pp. 98-110,

Resi

The

Mr.

The Resident, Colonel Munro, manifests the most enlightened and active zeal in behalf of Christianity, throughout Travancore and among the Syrians. Mar Dionysius, the Metran or Metro-Churches and Heathen Pagodas. This place is surrounded by Christian politan of the Syrians, had received Mr. Norton with great cordiality, "as sent of the Lord," to use his own expression, "to be their Deliverer and Protector." Dying in November, 1816, he was succeeded by Mar Philoxenus, who had the high cha

Fenn forms a just estimate of the importance of the scene of his probable labour.

the

The establishment of a College (he writes) Gospel-the existence of one of the most celefor Forty Candidates for the Ministry of brated Brahminical Colleges, at the distance of a

mile only-and the adjacent coast of Malabar, perhaps the most populous part of India, where there are three separate orders of Jews, and many Armenians and other Christians-render it, indeed, an important and highly interesting Station.

Jews. Of these people there are, within the District, upward of 1500. They have seven Synagogues. The want of health, however, obliged them to return to England. They accordingly left the coast at the beginning of April, on board the Lord Cathcart; and arrived in the Downs on the 28th of August; and are now in Devonshire.

The Rev. Henry Baker was to proceed from Madras, as has been stated; and was to be fixed at Cochin.

TELLICHERRY.

A Town on the Malabar Coast, N. W. of Cochin. 1817.

The reviving of the Syrian Church from its present degradation will, doubtless, be a work of time and of difficulty: but, by the blessing of God on the means now in progress, it will be accomplished; and then her Priests will become Evangelists to their Countrymen. The Scriptures, in the Syriac New Testament of Mr. Lee and in the Old Testament which he is now preparing, will enlighten the Priesthood; and will become a blessing to the whole population, by means of the Translation into the ver. nacular Malayalim, which is now in rapid progress, under the eye of the Missionaries. Into this language of the people Mr. Bailey has translated the Catechism; and will, as soon as practicable, transfuse the Liturgy. To prepare the mass of the people for profiting by these labours, the Resident proposes to connect a kind of Parish School with every one of the Syrian Churches. In the mean while, the Missionaries will have full liberty to preach in all these Churches, A Town on the Malabar Coast, a few miles N. of

when sufficiently familiar with Malayalim;

and the Metran expresses his anxiety for the arrival of that period.

In truth, such is the opening for the beneficial and acceptable employment of intelligent Ministers in Travancore, that the Resident urgently presses, that, at least, Twenty able Missionaries may be sent thither at the earliest possible period

of time.

Henry Baker.

Mr. Norton frequently visited Cochin, from Allepie. His Ministerial Services were very seasonable; the state of this place, with respect to religious instruction, having been long deplorable. A noble Church was in ruins, and most of the Christian Inhabitants were becoming Roman Catholics, for want of Protestant Ministers. The Church has since been repaired, by the contributions of the people. The Rev. Thomas Dawson, who landed at Quilon from Madras on the 17th of February, 1817, was, after some time, fixed at Cochin; his health and that of Mrs. Dawson not allowing them to proceed to his original destination in the southern part of Travancore, farther from medical

Baptiste, Native Schoolmaster. The Rev. Francis Spring, Chaplain at this Station, speaks highly of Baptiste. He has made great proficiency in the knowledge of the Scriptures. Many young men have learnt English of him. (See our last Vol, p. 152.

CANNANORE.

Tellicherry.

1817.

Jacob Joseph, Native.

Jacob Joseph is a native of Trichinopoly, Coming to born of Christian Parents. Cannanore to see his brother, he found a few persons who wished for Christian Instruction, and that their Children should be educated: he engaged, therefore, in these labours. Mr. Spring, under whose eye he is acting, speaks highly of him. Many who are under his instruction desire baptism.

VELLORE.

A Town, 88 miles W. by S. of Madras.

The Rev. E. M. J. Jackson, Chaplain at this Station, while waiting for Native Assistants from the Corresponding Committee, has opened a School for European and Country-born Children.

CHITTOOR.

A Town, 80 miles E. of Madras

The Rev. Henry Harper, Chaplain at this Station, was also anxiously waiting till Native Teachers could be supplied by the Corresponding Committee, who greatly regretted the unavoidable delay in procuring persons duly qualified for the work.

In the mean time, Mr. Harper employed two Natives, as Readers of the Tamul and Teloogoo Scriptures, in the Bazar, with much effect on the people. A Native School was also about to be opened.