enquired of him if any of the boys could read. Some of them were not willing to own their ignorance, and asked for a book: they were told they should have one if they could read it. Poor fellows, not one of them passed muster. Whilst they were being tested a bright looking boy came up, well dressed, and wearing several golden ornaments in his ears and round his neck. The old man on seeing him, said, Lady, that boy can read. He came to me and began to read very fluently in Oriya, "Thou shalt have no other God beside me, And before no idol bow thy knee. Nor dare the Sabbath day profane." Every line had to be explained. The little boy appeared much pleased with his book, and begged of us to go to the school, adding, his masters would regard it as a favour for us to visit it. We soon reached the school-room, which was an oblong shed, with mud walls and a thatched roof. We were received very politely, and all my questions about what the boys were learning answered very civilly. The masters acknowledged they were not able to teach the boys more than the reading of the Bhagabot and Arithmetic. The school-room was soon filled with men and boys, and crowds of women stood at the door of their houses. I gave them a short account of the instruction contained in the catechism. No one interrupted me while I was talking, but at the close an old man said very quietly, "Shall we continue to worship our gods if we regard that book ?" I did not answer the old man, but turned to the schoolmaster, and asked him to read a little. He was pleased to comply with my request, and read a page or more from the tract on the new birth. He read extremely well. The boys were formed into a class, and each read a little. I succeeded in distributing my tracts quietly by telling them I should not give any away if they made a noise, and only those who could read would receive a book. A number of persons on hearing this quietly withdrew, and all who received books submitted to the test. I had a long chat with some merchants on the importance of having their daughters taught to read, not their shastres, they would do them harm they were so impure, but God's Word, which taught us how "to cease to do evil and learn to do well." We were received kindly by the women in our visits from house to house, but the women generally were so ignorant that they seemed only capable of understanding what had reference to household matters. Their children looked dirty and neglected: one poor child was almost blind. Tearing a piece off my muslin handkerchief, I insisted on the mother washing its eyes with some warm water, and offered to give her some medicine, she promising to send for it. I could have spent weeks happily amongst these poor people, they appeared so anxious for instruction. Two men returned with Mr. Buckley from a more distant village, for some books. They asked him to teach them how to pray; he dictated a short prayer, and they repeated it again and again. But I must conclude, having already exceeded the limits of a letter. My dear husband is writing you on the troublous times that are passing over us. May these trials awaken in all our churches a spirit of more earnest prayer for the fulfilment of God's promises, and for more effectual aid to God's servants in this land. Our affectionate regards to Mrs. Goadby, yourself, and family. The Lord comfort your hearts in parting with your dear son. Yours in christian bonds, S. BUCKLEY. LETTER FROM MR. W. BROOKS. Cuttack, December 3rd, 1857. MY DEAR BROTHER GOADBY,-I commenced a note to you whilst at Jajipore several days ago, to tell you that we had commenced our cold season work again. At that time, with one exception, all our brethren were out in their districts, and about their Master's business. But on the following morning, our letters brought us information which led us to alter our plans, and, as we thought, rendered our speedy return home prudent at least. Our letters reported that Dr. More had been barbarously murdered, as also a Mr. Anson, on their way to Sumbulpore that a party of Orissa Paiks had been ordered to follow a third European then on his way to Sumbulpore, as escort, but had refused to march, and that several of them were in jail. There were our wives and families, children in the asylums, and the native christians; and if any difficulties should arise, what would become of them? Our Commissioner and Judge, left home the same day that we did, intending to make some stay at Balasore; and our fears were not much allayed by learning that the former had returned the previous night. The Judge reached Jajipore soon after our letters, and confirmed most of the intelligence we had received; we therefore determined to leave early next morning, and reached home the second morning after riding more than twentyfive miles along a wretched road before breakfasting. But all were safe, and every thing quiet as usual. We were surprised to find brethren Buckley and Taylor had reached Cuttack the previous evening, having returned from the bad state of roads, or rather no roads at all. There is scarcely a doubt but that Dr. More was cruelly hacked to pieces, as well as some of his Cuttack bearers, by men speaking the Oriya language, at the instigation of one or more Rajahs of tributary mehals. Mr. Anson most miraculously escaped by rushing into the jungle at the moment of attack; and after hiding two days, was delivered by a number of Orissa Paiks. They were attacked shortly afterwards, and one of their elephants was taken away: one of the scoundrels was shot. The Palkey bearers were ordered to strip themselves of every cloth they had, and those who escaped returned to Cuttack in a leaf dress: those who demurred to throw down their clothes were immediately attacked. I believe three were killed, and some others wounded. It is well known that some of the Rajahs in the jungle mehals of Cuttack district are disaffected towards the Government, and they will doubtless do all the mischief they can in their jungle fastnesses; they will scarcely attempt anything in our immediate neighbourhood, unless aided by those within the town, which is not at all probable. Brother Stubbins and myself left home for Khundittur on the morning of the 17th ult, and were followed by Ghanu Shyam. I must confess to having felt some little anxiety before leaving, as a considerable number of the disbanded sepoys, or sepoys on leave, had at one time or another come down the road to Pooree. But these anxieties were soon scattered to the winds, and we commenced our work at the Tangi market. The people here have often showa strong opposition to the truth, and this time was no exception. There is a number of very awkward-spirited brahmans here, and these generally try to raise opposition and uproar. Gunga Dhor came from this neighbourhood, and they have never forgiven him for leaving their ranks. Being anxious to get to Khundittur, we attended only two markets, and one or two villages on the way. On the Saturday evening we had a church meeting, and I regret to add that it was found necessary to exclude two females from this small church. We attended the early prayermeeting on Sabbath morning; Ghanu preached in the forenoon; and brother Stubbins administered the Lord's supper in the afternoon. Just before the afternoon service, we heard of the "Agamemnon" having been telegraphed in Calcutta. After breakfast on Monday morning we left for Jajipore, taking Hurripore market on the way, Jagoo and Thoma accompanying us. Whilst engaged in the market, an express cooley arrived from Cuttack, with letters from brother Bailey and your son John, posted at Kedgeree, announcing their safe arrival in the river. Our daily prayers on their behalf had thus been answered, and our hearts were full of thankfulness. We were very sorry to learn that John had met with an accident on the way out, but trust that he has quite overgot it. The Gospel has been preached at this market so often that it is no new thing, and the people seemed to have no relish for it: some heard tolerably well, but others gave us much trouble. We had a long ride to the Jajipore bungalow. We remained at Jajipore the three following days, attending a large market each day. They have all increased in numbers of people since my first visit, and we were listened to generally with very great attention. There are markets in the immediate neighbourhood every day in the week; and being a populous place itself, would make a very important station for a missionary. Great numbers of pilgrims come here, on their way to or return from Pooree. There are five hundred families of brahmans entirely dependant on what they receive from pilgrims, &c. (besides other brahmans,) and they complained loudly of the hard times. Since the sepoy mutiny commenced, their supplies from up country have almost ceased, and provisions have become much dearer, and they declared they were all dying of want. We gave them no encouragement to hope for better times, and advised them to commence a more honest means of subsistence. They took all in very good part. It is rather remarkable that at no place was a syllable said about the mutinies, nor a question asked. A few days before we reached Khundittur, one of a party of Paiks, on their way from Balasore to Cuttack, flourished a sword several times over Jagoo's head whilst he was speaking on the bank of a river, and commanded him to say no more. The poor ryots are oppressed too much already by their Zemindars to wish for a change, which would place them entirely at the mercy of their former rulers. I send home a copy of the "Overland Friend of India" by each mail. This you may possibly see from Nottingham. There is no doubt it will give the best precis of Indian matters that will be sent home. We hope matters are in a fair way at Lucknow, though it will be terrible work. The death of General Havelock is announced: this will be universally regretted. How could we wish that he had lived to enjoy the honors that would have been richly gained! But we trust he has gone to enjoy more lasting honors. There has been a mutiny at Chittagong; and the two companies of sepoys at Dacca refused to give up their arms, and fired at the sailors who had gone to their barracks for the purpose of disarming them. One seaman was shot dead on the spot, and several have died since. Forty-two of the sepoys were killed. I have just heard that two companies from the wing of the 5th Regiment here, are going off immediately for Sumbulpore. There are five companies of the 40th Regiment there already, and guns. The Assistant Commissioner up there has acted most irresolutely. A letter was received this morning from your son John. He writes that they expect to leave Calcutta to-morrow. So we are hoping to see them by this time next week. Brethren Buckley and Taylor have gone out again for a few days. We are all tolerably well. Mrs. Brooks desires to unite with me in kindest regards to Mrs. Goadby, and family. Affectionately yours WILLIAM BROOKS. INDIAN MISSION EXTENSION. BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE friends and supporters of the Baptist Missionary Society are aware that the revolt which has swept over some of the finest provinces of Hindostan, has not left unscathed the missionary stations established within the range of its influence. At Agra, the mission house, chapels, and the schools, have been burnt, plundered, or destroyed. Through the good providence of God the lives of the mission family and native christians were saved by their taking timely refuge in the fort. Muttra is a scene of desolation; but the missionary, Mr. Evans, escaped to Agra, losing all he possessed. The christian village of Chitoura, comprising the mission houses, the weaving shop, cottages, chapel, and school, is in ruins; the native christians are scattered. In Delhi, the missionary, Mr. Mackay, has fallen a prey to the sanguinary soldiers; the native teacher died a martyr's death; and the widow and two daughters of our late missionary, Mr. Thompson, were the victims of foul atrocities. Thus has it pleased God to try our faith, and, for a time, to hinder the direct labours of his servants. The reinstatement of the mission is earnestly desired by the Committee, and that with augmented strength. In Agra and Delhi the Society, as early as the year 1816, commenced to labour. With varying ability, yet never with adequate forces, it has continued to promulgate the word of life. Success hitherto has been but partial. Yet a considerable number of persons have been brought to the knowledge of the truth, while gradually an open and effectual door has been gained in the entire district for the entrance of the gospel. The Committee are not disposed to regard recent events as likely to create additional barriers to the progress of the gospel. On the other hand, the probabilities seem very favourable to a more attentive consideration on the part of the people of the word of life. The lessons which Divine Providence is teaching, by this mutiny, are likely to have a beneficial effect on all classes, and to awaken a more earnest regard to the great salvation. The present attitude of the people towards missionaries encourages the hope of a willing audience for their message; and in no instance have they shown any hostility to missionaries as such. The Committee are sure that they only express the feelings of their christian friends when they propose, as God may help them, to direct the energies of the Society to the reconstruction of the mission so painfully interrupted, and to increase its efficiency. They therefore propose : 1. To reoccupy the stations as soon as circumstances will allow. 2. To increase the number of missionaries, and to open new stations where practicable. 3. To direct the attention of the missionaries, especially at the present time, to a widely-extended itineracy and dispersion of the seed of the word of God, and the formation of native churches, leaving to future opportunity the reopening of the schools which are now broken up. 4. To request for these important purposes enlarged contributions, the formation of a special fund, and the augmentation of the regular annual income of the Society. 5. To urge on the auxiliaries a canvass of their respective localities, with the hope that in this great crisis, not only will all those of their friends who usually contribute increase their gifts, but that help may be obtained from others to whom India's evangelisation may be an object of desire and interest. 6. To request of the churches special prayer that suitable men may be raised up for this occasion. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. In common with all classes of their countrymen, the Directors of the London Missionary Society have watched the progress of the mutiny in India with deep solicitude. But the peculiar and important duties devolving upon them increase this solicitude; for while they believe that the fearful evil has been permitted by Divine Providence for the accomplishment of great ultimate good to that land, they nevertheless feel that it entails upon those who are "put in trust of the Gospel," an urgent obligation to augmented efforts for the evangelization of its inhabitants. Under this conviction, they deemed it their duty to submit the subject without delay to the serious consideration of the representatives of the Society's Auxiliaries, at a meeting of the town and country Directors, specially convened at the Mission House, Bloomfield-street, on Tuesday the 19th inst. At that meeting, which was large and influential, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : 1. That the deeply affecting events which have occurred in Northern India during the last year, in connexion with the Mutiny of the Bengal Native Army, demand, from every section of the Protestant Evangelical Church, a great increase of zeal and liberality in extending the blessings of the Gospel throughout that vast Empire, as the best and only security for its future peace and prosperity. 2. That the London Missionary Society, having for the last half century employed devoted labourers in different parts of India, whose various exertions God has been pleased to crown with distinguished success, should take its fair proportion of effort for extending the blessings of the Gospel among the teeming multitudes yet involved in heathen darkness, and that, accordingly, the Directors employ their best efforts with all classes of their constituents, to enable them to send forth, within the next two years, at the least Twenty additional Missionaries, to aid in carrying onward this great enterprise. 3. That, as the accomplishment of this object would involve the expenditure of £5000 in the passage and outfit of the new Agents, and a regular increase in its expenditure of more than £6000 per annum, it is absolutely necessary that a Special Appeal should be made to the zeal and generosity of the Society's friends, to enable the Directors to meet the first two years' outlay, and also for a permanently enlarged liberality to render the Society's Annual Income equal to this great increase in its expenditure. 4. That, in order fully to present the importance and urgency of the proposed effort, a Public Meeting of the Members of the Society be held in the Metropolis at the earliest practicable period; and that its friends throughout the country be also urgently invited promptly to adopt suitable and energetic measures, by holding public meetings or otherwise, in furtherance of the object. 5. That, in adopting the preceding Resolutions, the Directors cherish an entire and prayerful reliance on the Divine Redeemer, the Great Head of the Church, to sanction and prosper their humble endeavours for the extension of his Kingdom by disposing the hearts of his people liberally to contribute the free-will offerings required for the enterprise-by raising up well-qualified Evangelists, willing to consecrate themselves to this great service-by guiding them to their appropriate fields of labour-and, by the outpouring of his Holy Spirit, rendering their various efforts successful in the conversion of the Heathen, and the establishment of his kingdom. THE CALL OF DUTY IN RESPECT TO CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA. From the Wesleyan Missionary Notices. THE call of duty in respect to Christianity in India is immediate and urgent. It is quite possible that the errors of the past, to call them by no harsher name than errors, may be perpetuated in the future. Those errors are, First, The permission of flagrantly wicked and immoral practices under pretence of religion; such as the murders of the sick and aged on the banks of the Ganges; the most inhuman and extravagant polygamy; the profession of the dancing-women at the pagodas; infanticide; and other evils which have hitherto gone unpunished, and almost unnoticed and unchecked. Second, The participation of British functionaries, in Heathen observances,the military by firing salutes, the civil servants by taking direction of pagodas, processions, and festivals, the legal profession, by observing and encouraging holidays and ceremonies in courts of law of a directly idolatrous character; such as the annual worship of books, writing materials, &c., at Ayutha-Tiza, or, the Feast of Implements, which British Judges have allowed in their presence, and have looked upon with pleasure and approval! Third, The regard paid to caste and religion in the employment of the natives in the service of Government, to the effect of perpetuating and strengthening the most absurd and injurious distinctions among fellow-subjects, and to the exclusion of Christian converts from the ranks of the army and other situations of trust. Fourth, The exclusion of the Bible, except as a book of reference, and of all Christian teaching from Government schools and colleges. When it is remembered that the gentlemen who have promoted and encouraged these practices, or, at the least, permitted them, are still inclined to promote, en |