of the men educated in the public seminaries in Calcutta. This is so far a good omen. It shows a thirst for knowledge amongst the people, and a desire on the part of some at least to afford it even at their own cost. When will Christian people possess the means and disposition to establish through the whole country, schools in which that alone will be taught which can bless the people, the knowledge of Christ-knowledge without Christianity will be no blessing.

12.-REV. MR. TUCKER'S FUNERAL SERMON FOR THE REV. W. H. PEARCE. We have been favored with a copy of the excellent funeral discourse delivered by the Rev. F. Tucker on the occasion of the death of the Rev. W. H. Pearce. The author states that "the following Sermon was preached at the request of Mr. Pearce's friends; and at their request it is now published. Its publication has been somewhat delayed in the hope that it might appear in the same volume with a Memoir of Mr. Pearce: but as the Rev. W. Yates, who is preparing the Memoir, has found the quantity of the material for it larger than was expected, and the time required for its arrangement consequently longer, it has been thought desirable to publish the Sermon in the interval. May the Lord be pleased to make it useful!"-We have neither time or space in our present number to do more than unite in the prayer of the esteemed author, that the Lord may be pleased to make it useful, and to cordially recommend it to all our readers.

The reason assigned for its publication in a separate form will also account for the non-appearance of the remainder of the Memoir of Mr. Pearce in the pages of the Observer.

13. THE LATE CAPT. JOSEPH RICHARDSON.

[We are not willing that so worthy a disciple as Capt. Richardson should pass from amongst us without some notice appearing in the pages of the Observer; and though it be late it is not the less sincere. We had hoped to have obtained a memoir of this good man, (for such he was) and full of the Holy Ghost. In the absence of other and ampler information we have extracted the following from the Intelligencer. For such of our readers as may not have had acquaintance with Capt. Richardson we would simply state, that he was attached to the Honorable Company's Marine, and for many years had the command of one of the pilot vessels, in which station he ever maintained a truly Christian deportment, as many whom sickness may have taken there can testify. He was a man who had become familiar with affliction, and to whom the Lord had most graciously revealed himself under many trials. We regret the death of Capt. R. the more because he is one of the last of the first of those who aided missions and the cause of Christ generally in Calcutta, when such aid was needed indeed and not so readily afforded as now. May God raise up many who in their lives, shall as effectively glorify God as he did, and in death like him be accompanied to his burial by devout men of all grades in society.-ED.]

"Christianity in Calcutta has lost one of her most consistent children in the death of this excellent man. He was called to his rest at Colombo, Ceylon, on the 9th April last, after long continued bodily sufferings, which he bore with edifying patience, looking for endless rest, and leaning on the all-sufficiency of Christ. He was for many years a member of the Old Church Congregation, and walked in the ordinances of the Lord, as well as the duties of his profession, blameless. Humility of mind and firmness of principle were admirably blended in his character— and though many were His afflictions, yet the great Angel of the Covenant was manifestly with him in the furnace, and has at last "delivered him out of them all."

"The following Extracts from the Calcutta Newspapers will shew the estimation in which this worthy man was held :

"We have really very great pleasure in giving insertion to the annexed tribute by the District Charitable Society, to the memory of one of their members, the late Mr. Joseph Richardson, a Branch Pilot, who died lately at Colombo, whither he had proceeded for the benefit of his health:

"In recording the death of Mr. Joseph Richardson, the Members of the Old Church District Charitable Society cannot restrain the expression of their deep sorrow at the severe and irreparable loss which they have sustained by this melancholy event, an event which has deprived this society of one of its most efficient and invaluable members, thereby causing a blank which cannot easily be supplied. While Mr. Richardson's distinguished, yet unaffected zeal, and vigilant scrutiny always protected the society from imposition, his unremitting exertions in promoting its objects and advancing its interests, rendered him eminently conspicuous as one of its firmest supporters, and the members feel they are discharging a duty which is justly due to their late lamented coadju tor, in recording this brief but sincere tribute to his memory, in grateful acknowledgment of the assistance they derived from his co-operation." --Englishman.

"We have great pleasure in publishing the following testimonial to the worth of one, who was, for a period of seventeen years, a great supporter and friend of the Church Missionary Association-the resolution was passed at a meeting of the body on Monday last:

"It was unanimously resolved, That the Committee has heard with much regret, of the decease of Captain Joseph Richardson, one of its most efficient co-adjutors, who ever since the formation of the Association to the time of his last departure from Calcutta, had contributed by his sound advice-his personal contributions-his exertions among his friends and acquaintance-and his intercessions at the throne of grace-to promote the well-being of this Institution.

"The heart's desire of their valued friend was to promote the honour and glory of God by the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom among his fellow-creatures, and he was always ready to embrace every opportunity presented to him of interesting his friends in the welfare of those institutions, which have for their object-the making known to the perishing heathen the way of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

"In the departure of their friend, the Committee experience a great loss;-but they bless God that they have the confident assurance that their loss is his gain-and that he has now entered upon the enjoyment of that heavenly inheritance which is "uncorrupted, undefiled, and fadeth not away."-Courier.

"We subjoin a very interesting account of the last hours of this excellent man, kindly communicated to us:

"Richardson has gone to glory, even to that glory which remaineth for the people of God. The Lord speedily raised up good and excellent friends for him at Colombo, so that he had ten Christians at last waiting on him and doing him every office of kindness. I had a most sweet letter from him about a week before his death, saying that every earthly want had been supplied, and that he only needed more grace to praise his Heavenly Father for such rich mercies He suffered most intensely during the last three months of his life. The severe spasms which he endured became of daily occurrence, and sometimes lasted for a long time, and even for two or three days with more or less pain. During all this he meekly and calmly submitted to his Father's will, and appeared a

singular monument of grace; latterly his feet and legs swelled so, that he could not move, but he remained cheerful till the last. The day be fore his death he sat up in bed, endeavouring to write to one of his children which letter was left unfinished, for on the morning of the 9th instant, death came suddenly upon him. His most attentive Christian friend was sent for, and found him much dejected, as the usual remedy for his spasms giving him no relief; and worn out by constant pains and sufferings, he was weeping and appeared afflicted from bodily distress. His friend knelt down and prayed to Almighty God to help His suffering saint at the last, and to make him more thau conqueror. Richardson became calm and placid, saying emphatically Can death be conquered?' 'Yes.' Can the grave? Yes, was replied to him. Can hell be conquered?' 'Yes, certainly, all have been conquered,' added the gentleman, praise God.' By this time friend R. assumed a joyful expression and in a triumphant manner, and with great animation went through the whole verse of the Doxology Praise God from whom,' &c. He appeared to be meditating on the exceeding great and precious promises of victory over death and the grave, and acting faith on the Lord Jesus, rather than asking questions of his friend, and thus he triumphed and seemed to enjoy a foretaste of that bliss which was soon waiting him. He got himself raised up in bed, his countenance assumed a most pleasing aspect (usually the case with him) and constantly and confidently affirmed his trust and reliance on his Saviour. He appeared not to have had any doubts or conflicts on his mind, and all the dejection evidently arose from the poor suffering body weighing down the immortal spirit. He sunk down after this and lay without power of speaking, but evidently conscious for some time, as appeared from his looking up for two hours, and then without the least apparent suffering fell asleep in Jesus: he passed almost imperceptibly away, and thus entered into the joy of his Lord. His simple and great faith, and his love, and his astonishing long-suffering were very remarkable, his humility was equally so. He was buried in Colombo, several Civilians, Merchants and Officers following his remains; which were carried to the grave by a party of H. M. 95th Regt.: the union flag was used as a pall, and his friends did all in their power to shew their respect for him by thus honoring the burial."-Christian Intelligencer.

14.-PROPOSAL FOR THE ERECTION OF A NEW BAPTIST Chapel at DaCCA. To the Editors of the Calcutta Christian Observer.

DEAR SIRS,

You will greatly oblige us, by publishing the following statement with the annexed list of subscriptions, and receiving any further contributions, which may be offered for the object, which we have in view. Yours very sincerely,

W. ROBINSON.

Dacca, June 10th, 1840. Though the Baptist Mission, at Dacca, has existed more than twenty years, there has not been erected any place for English worship. Many persons, Europeans, Indo-Britons, and others, capable of understanding English, have availed themselves of the labours of Mr. Leonard, the now aged Missionary there, in that language; and there is reason to believe, that a considerable number have been essentially benefited. It is now thought, by the friends of the mission there, very desirable, that a place of worship should be erected, in a convenient situation, as the present place, Mr. Leonard's house, is objected to by some, on account of its being a private dwelling-house, and in a very inconvenient situation. Accordingly, those interested in this object, at Dacca, have done their

utmost to raise subscriptions; but they have succeeded in raising only half of the amount required; four thousand Rupees being the lowest sum, with which a building, not constructed of combustible materials, can be erected. This statement is therefore laid before the public, in the hope of obtaining aid from the friends of missions in other parts of the country. Any sums contributed to this object, will be received by G. Lamb, Esq. Dacca, Treasurer; by the Editors of the Christian Observer, Calcutta ; by the Rev. J. Thomas, Baptist Mission Press, Circular Road, Calcutta, and by the Editors of the Friend of India, Serampore. [See cover for a list of Subscribers to the Chapel Fund.-Ed.]

15.-MADRAS UNIVERSITY.

The Government of Madras have determined to establish a University at that presidency. The professors are to be the most enlightened and intelligent; the council is to consist of all colors and creeds; and the course of instruction is to be of the highest and best order. From this institution God is alone to be excluded, and the knowledge of God alone is not to be taught. The following is the rule on this subject—a rule, remember, calmly and deliberately adopted at the foundation of a new University :

"6th. It shall form no part of the design of this Institution to inculcate doctrines of religious faith, or to supply books with any such view."

So now Madras and Calcutta can boast that they possess each a college over the doorway of which is written, "God and the knowledge of God must cease to be mentioned by every professor and pupil as he steps over this threshold." Rome and Greece in their heathenism never attempted any thing like this. A knowledge of the gods was inseparable from all education; but the Christian rulers of India have arrived at the conclusion neither to teach the knowledge of Him on whom their own hopes for salvation rest, nor yet the knowledge of the gods in whom the heathen repose their hopes. In short, it is virtually adopting the principle of the French savans, and erecting a temple to reason alone without the aid of revelation, and worshipping the intellect of man instead of paying homage to God, and looking up to Him as the source of all wisdom and knowledge, who giveth to every man liberally and upbraideth The authorities of course have it in their power to do this or that as they please. They may sanction a new slave-trade-cast the mantle of their protection over the opium trade-or establish seats of learning from which God is excluded, and where his knowledge is not taught; but that which is chiefly to be mourned over is that the people wish to have it so by common consent: and even the Lord Jehovah might say, Even my people--many of my nominal people suggest and sanction this thing, they will have it so,-and so they may; but can it go unpunished by Him who is jealous for His own glory? The subject is too painful in its issues to the present and future millions of India to pursue it further for the present.-Calcutta Christian Advocate,

not.

16.-MADRAS TRACT AND BOOK SOCIETY.

We have been favored with the Twenty-first Report of the Madras Tract and Book Society, from which we gather that the last has been a year of " usual prosperity." The Committee have pursued their course with alacrity and success. The Report contains much interesting matter, and the Appendix is full of statements calculated to cheer the Christian's heart. The Committee have wisely given a brief abstract of each of their tracts in the native language, from which persons desirous of disseminating the tracts, but who are unacquainted with the native languages, may be enabled to select those they may deem most VOL. I.

3 H

appropriate to their purpose. We hope to give an extract or two from the Report in our next. Want of space alone prevents us this month.

17. LONDON RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

The Fortieth Annual Report of this truly excellent Institution has reached us. It is as usual replete with most interesting and cheering intelligence in reference to the spread of Divine truth through the medium of tracts. We have only space to extract one or two items from the Report. The first relates to the publications circulated, concerning which the Committee says:

"The publications which have been issued from the depository during the year, amount to eighteen millions and forty-two thousand five hundred and thirty-nine, being an increase on the preceding year of two millions one hundred and two thousand nine hundred and seventy-two; making the total circulation of the Society, in about eighty-five languages, including the issues of Foreign societies, assisted by this Institution, amount to upwards of two hundred and ninety-three millions.

"The gratuitous issues for the year, in money grants, paper, and publications, together with the grants for libraries, amount to £7,740. 4s. 3d., being £2,257. 188. 1d. beyond the total benevolent income of the Institution, from subscriptions, donations, and contributions from auxiliaries, and all other sources.

"The amount of sales has been £50, 447-1-4. The total receipts for the past year amounted to £62, 219-7-5 being an increase of £164-1-1 on the former year. In the concluding language of the Report we most fully concur.

"In concluding the Report, the Committee have one duty to discharge, which they do with cheerful gratitude to Him who is head over all things, to his body, the church,-that duty is to congratulate their numerous friends, that in these times of excitement, the receipts and circulation of the Society have been larger than in preceeding years; a fact which, they think, clearly shows, that its principles are valued by a large pro. portion of the church of Christ. If, in some few cases, the Committee have not been able to meet the wishes of former friends, by raising what must have become the standard of sectarianism over the Institution, they can truly say, that anxious as they have been to be guided in all things by the Holy Spirit, and seeking, as they have done, the direction of 'the wisdom which cometh down from above,' they have not discovered 'a more excellent way' for the management of the Institution, than the one laid down at first by its venerated and departed founders. They feel that, in humble and constant dependance upon God, it is their solemn duty to maintain inviolate, the truly Christian principles of the Society; trusting that, ere long, by mutual forbearance, all the members of the household of faith' will stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel.'

May the Committee of the Tract and every other Catholic Society, ever be enabled to lift up the standard of Scriptural truth against all the efforts of all sectarians to rend and divide the one true and holy Church of the Lord Jesus.

18.-MISSIONS AT THE CAPE.

By recent arrivals from the Cape we have been put in possession of the accounts of the Annual Meeting of the London Missionary Society's Missions in that country. They are in a flourishing condition notwithstanding the constant attacks to which they are subjected by political antagonists. They have outlived many a slander, covert and open, and bid fair under God's blessing to prove the truth of the Scripture, that