near Haurah, I visited the spot, and took with me some hundreds of tracts. After having gained access near the car through the crowd, I thought it would be rather a novel thing if his godship would permit Christian books to contaminate his throne. I made the experiment by giving some tracts to those who were seated on the level part of the car. They were taken, and more, and more, until the very shrine of the god was covered with tracts from one extremity to the other. My triumph was complete; I could not help exclaiming, "What a change!" When the crowd saw it, they pressed round, and the distribution of all my tracts was the work of a few minutes. These things are trivial in themselves, yet they are evidences that a change of no small degree has taken place in the minds of the natives.

DINAGEPORE.

well dressed Mussulman, whom I knew nothing whatever of, stood within a little distance from me, and exerted himself to the close of the day in keeping the people from at once rushing upon me, so as to interrupt the work I was engaged in, or in preserving me from being borne along with the mob. One thing I rejoiced to see, that while thus employed, they were not rude, but dealt mildly with those whom they requested to depart, as they had got books, that others might be able to approach with more ease. I am sorry I could not learn from whence this Mussulman came, as he disappeared while I was dismounting from the top of my palki, and before I had time to address him. The young Brahmin is not ashamed publicly to tell his people, that he will not attend to Hinduism, and when the household priest called, he plainly told him he would have none of his instruction, for if he could not cleanse himself from sin,

(Two hundred and thirty miles north from Cal- he was sure he could do nothing for others.

cutta.)

Rev. H. Smylie writes

He often accompanies the native assistant to the hat, as he did me to the mela. Some few of the people told me they had obtainNalk Muraa Mela. ed tracts last year, and repeated some part This has been the best season I have of them, but I could only imperfectly hear ever spent at the mela.* I distributed 600 what they said. Others requested me to tracts, and 100 Gospels, which is about preach to them, but this could not be done. 200 more than have been distributed in Some who could not read, pleaded very former years. Those who received them earnestly for books, saying, they had a son were evidently thankful. While distribu- or some other person to read for them, ting the word of life, there might be nor would they go away till I had given seen around me numbers earnestly reading them a small tract. A good feeling prethe books they had just received, amidst all vailed among the people, and they would the din, and bustle, and dust of the mela, frequently say, "Take care not to take and although others were pushing their way the books if you cannot read, for it will not through the crowd, often disturbing them, be good for those who do so, or for those still they continued to read. A European, who ill-use these books, because all they Some would say, "It who was passing, stopped a little time with contain is good.' me, and looking at the people reading, with- is God's word;" others had been directed out appearing to notice him, he said, "This by some relative or neighbor to take care is very interesting: I never saw any thing not to return without a book, as they seemlike this before; see, how they read!" I ed to be sure I would attend the mela. answered, "Yes, times are altered, and al- Some of these would stand long with their tering." Others were seen sitting in their hands clasped, pleading for a book, saying, little low tents with a few others—perhaps "We cannot go home without one, for people they knew nothing of, and are never such was the order we received, that should likely to see again; but they had got a new we return without it, we should bring disbook, those around them could not read, pleasure upon ourselves." Much of my but were anxious to know what it contain- time was taken up listening to persons readed, and thus listened with attention. In ing a portion of the book they were about such a place as this I met with no opposi- to receive. Those who were favored with tion, but, on the contrary, with unexpected Gospels were evidently pleased, and went assistance. A young Brahmin who accom-away with every appearance of gratitude. panied us from Sadamahl, attended me during the whole of the mela, distributed tracts with as much zeal as if he had been one of our own people, and so did a young blacksmith who also resides near Sadamahl. On the last day of the mela, a very respectable,

The following will in some measure show the spirit the people are in. The Brahmins very seldom interfere now; when they do come, it is to get a book and to go in peace.

1st April, 1840. In the afternoon I went to the bazaar, where I found a number of people waiting my arrival to repeat what

they had committed to memory from books [vation." His desire appeared warm for received a day or two ago, and to claim the moment, but soon became cold, for althe promised reward for so doing. Cases of this kind are becoming common, and numbers of the Hon. Co.'s schoolboys do the same, and that daily too.

of our new chapel. Our feelings, my dear Sir, you may more easily imagine than I can describe. It was but that day seven months that the corner-stone was laid by Aaron and John Delean, Esqrs; the former gave me the handsome sum of 1001, and the latter 50%.

Here, I say, we met, with feelings more easily imagined than described. It is true, we had no window, no door, no floor, but we cared not for that. We were sheltered from a burning sun; and that which we have commenced-supported by so many Christian friends, both here and at homewe will complete, under God, as fast as it lies in our power. A prayer was offered by myself, and that appropriate hymn of Cowper's

in requsition for seats; and I preached with much pleasure from "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as doves to their windows?" At two o'clock the five newly chosen deacons were installed into their solemn office; the seventy-two baptized received the right hand of fellowship, and were thus added to our number. "Oh, that their names may prove to be recorded in the Lamb's book of life!" The Lord's-supper was then administered, which brought the services of the 2nd of August to a close.

On Monday, the 3rd, we travelled to Fuller's-field. 4th. Had four bowers erected, and every preparation made for the ordinance of baptism, and in the evening a special prayer-meeting, as at the Bay, to implore the blessing of Heaven on our endeavors to promote the glory of God.

5th. At six o'clock seventy-five were baptized, the first of whom was my own sister, who for years was a member of the Rev. Thomas Binney's church, London; but being convinced of the propriety of this ordinance, simply from searching the Scriptures for herself, requested to form one among those about to be baptized. We then separated to our little sanctuary, and, with about 800 souls, I held a prayermeeting, when Christian communion appeared to be sweet. At eleven o'clock we again assembled, and though our accommodations are double what they were last August, every seat was occupied, and very many unable to gain admittance. o'clock the ordinance of the Lord's-supper was prepared; five newly appointed deacons were here also installed into office, seventy-four received into the church, and the sacrament administered. The deacons, their wives, schoolmaster, and friends, with myself and family, took a collation together, and this day had nearly passed.

At two

"God moves in a mysterious way," &c sung, evidently with the spirit and the understanding also; portions of Scripture were read, renewed thanksgiving presented, and this service closed. "Free-will offerings" were brought in between the services, and the next commenced at eleven o'clock; long before which, crowds had assembled. After prayer, singing, and reading a portion of the word of God, a special prayer was offered on behalf of five of our brethren (lately slaves) who had been chosen by the church to fill the office of deacons. Another hymn was sung, and prayer offered, when an address was delivered from these words:" He strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken.' The address simply went to show the faithfulness of an unchanging God, and the extraordinary way in which God had disposed the minds of Christians of different denominations, so that the hands and hearts of minister and people had been strengthened under a series of extraordinary affliction and distress. Every eye beamed with gladness, and every heart seemed filled with joy. Another prayer was offered, a hymn sung, and, according to notice, an address given on the nature and tendency of the ordinance of baptism, simply illustrated from scripture testimeny. The children then arose, sang one of their little hymns, and the congregation was dismissed. my toil and suffering in Jamaica, even bun was then presented to each child; the apart from any thing else. The school deacons and their wives, with the school-numbered between 170 and 180, and the master from Fuller's-field and Savannah-beautiful way in which many write as well la-Mar, repaired to my dwelling, where as read, is astonishing. Mr. Hoskins, they dined with myself and family, and thus happily closed the 1st of August,

1940.

6th. We had an examination of the

school-and when I remind you that two years ago on the 14th of Febuary last, with only four children it was commenced, and that sixty-seven were now forming one glorious circle, in one class, reading from the word of God, I felt amply repaid for all A

On Sabbath morning our prayer-meeting was held at the usual hour; second service at eleven o'clock, when a mass of people were present. Chairs, stools, boards, scantling, boxes, every thing was

Mrs. Hoskins, my sister, Mrs. Hutchins,
and Miss Isabella Stewart, were the exami-
ners, who rewarded them with articles
kindly sent by many dear, though unknown
Christian friends at home.
then given to each, and we separated, with
our hearts truly filled with gladness.

A bun was

Miscellany.

NATIVE PRESS IN CALCUTTA.

dox Hindoos, was the first to try the experi-
ment upon native resources. Since then,
especially since the free-press regulation,
many competitors have started up to con-
tend for the dominion of public opinion
among the native community. These, it
may readily be supposed, are of very va-
rious merit and circulation. Each, how-
ever, cannot but separately possess some
influence, and all unitedly a prodigious ef-
ficacy; especially now, when at the same
time that English education is spreading on
all hands in daily enlarging circles, so won-
drous an impetus has been given to a con-
current cultivation of the vernacular lan-
guages, by their restoration, on the fall of
the usurping Persian, to their legitimate,
rational, and natural place in the courts, in
all government offices, and in general busi-

ness.

The following extracts are from an article in the Calcutta Christian Observer, for February, 1840, on the character and extent of the native periodical press, in the Bengal presidency, The writer, after remarking upon the importance of a free English press in calling forth the talent and "in awakening the slumbering energies of the natives of the soil," says farther,Writing as we do, in the pages of a "Christian Observer," we cannot overlook, were we so inclined, the silent but inappreciable-nay the almost omnipotent power, by this means exerted upon the indigenous superstitions of this vast region of moral darkness and religious death. The great missionary enterprise, in which so large a proportion of the wisest and best of the population of our father-land take so deep These papers are printed mostly at naan interest-sending forth their agents in tive presses, conducted by native editors; yearly increasing numbers to plant the cross and the greater number are issued weekly of the universal Redeemer in the soil of in small single or double folios, usually of Hindostan, and to proclaim the glorious three columns. Most are in Bengali only; messages of heavenly wisdom and mercy— a few in Bengali and English. Some of this great enterprise cannot fail to be aided them, like those evanescent meteors called and the object of evangelizing labors vast-falling stars, have but just appeared and been ly accelerated by the yearly, almost daily, extinguished even in their nascent corusca – accumulating power of a free press. It is tions; or, as abortive embryos, have existno longer possible to misrepresent the mo-ed but to die. Of their typographical extives or belie the characters of the mission-ecution little requires to be said; most of aries of the Gospel of Christ, or to torture their proceedings into charges whose burthen shall be, as so often heretofore, that they endanger the peace of society, the stability of our empire, the continuance of a commerce so advantageous to the resour-ly, are both neatly and correctly executed, ces of our native country. The time is past, forever past, when it might still be possible to mislead the public at home or on the spot, in relation to the quiet, unpretending, but all-important labors of Christian missionaries.

The far and justly famed Serampore missionaries, among other numerous and well-substantiated titles to the gratitude of India and to an illustrious place in the memory of posterity, have the distinguished merit of having originated the Calcutta native press. The Samachar Darpan, or Mirror of Intelligence, which first issued from the Serampore mission-press, we believe in the year 1818, twenty-one years ago, and was conducted by those whose undying names alone now survive, was the first specimen of a Bengali newspaper. The Samachar Chandrika, or Moonlight of News, conducted by a well known individnal of influence among the so-called ortho

them are printed on indifferent paper, with
indifferent and much worn types, are com-
posed and worked off by native pressmen,
and swarm with typographical errors.
Some, however, of the larger ones especial-

doing great credit to the enterpise and dili-
gence of their conductors.

The style of native composition prevail-
ing in them is various, generally not over
correct, seldom elegant, too often loose and
vicious in the extreme. Magniloquent
phrases, bombastic figures, tedious alliter-
ation, puerile conceits, accumulated epithets
and far-fetched analogies; these are all in
the native taste as it now is: the transition,
however, to a purer, has commenced; and
a more correct style of composition is be-
ginning to be cultivated, as a more just
conception of the real duties and true end
of written language is better understood.

The best of thein by many degrees, at present, is the Bhaskar, or Sun; it is published weekly, in two folio sheets. The leading article is an ethical maxim or definition, illustrated, after the oriental manner, by a tale, usually fictitious and not always in keeping with the sobriety of the subject.

The strictly ethical portion, however, is always good, often excellent. The style of the Bhaskar is immeasurably superior to that of any of the whole tribe besides; and, though not free from defects, exhibits on the whole, the finest specimens of Bengali composition, neither mixed and vulgar on the one hand, nor affecting the abstruseness of an almost Sanscrit diction, on the other. The editor is a brahmin of highly liberal sentiments, extremely solicitous to raise the tone of feeling and standard of thought among his countrymen; unsparing in his use of well-managed severity of satire and indignant rebuke directed against the worst faults and follies of his compatriots.

The Rasaraj, published at the same press, is largely occupied with original metrical compositions: its prose style is much on a par with the preceding.

The Sambad Purnachandroday is conducted by a very intelligent young Babu employed in one of the public offices. It has an extensive circulation, and retails a great mass of useful intelligence; its style, however, is too much labored and ambitious.

The Gyananweshan is next in merit; it is a very respectable paper, doing great credit to the talent, zeal and public spirit of its conductors.

Of the Anglo-Bengali papers, the Darpan, already referred to as issuing from Serampore, is under joint European and native management. The contributions from without are in various styles of native composition; but its editorials are not always written in the purest and most idiomatical Bengali; it has, however, the far higher praise of being ever liberal, of advocating every good cause, of containing a large amount of useful information, and of being uncompromising in hatred of vice and oppression. It is always the enemy of superstition, bad government and worse anarchy, the friend of education, the patron of the oppressed, and in fact is truly mirror of the times."

managed and biting satire, while its very late ones give to the public, the moral essays or addresses delivered in the Tattwadodhini Sabha, a private society of immaterialists, arisen out of the Brahma Sabha. These are beautifully written; they are the better moralizings of a select few of the followers of Ram Mohun Roy, who disclaim idolatry and profess a species of theophilanthropism, which indeed is the "ne plus ultra" of the purest Hindoo philosophy-not unamiable, but powerless.

Of the ten papers which continue to be issued, 2,231 copies are circulated in town and 319 in the country. The earliest was begun in the year 1819, and four of them in the year 1839. The subscription price of six of them is one rupee monthly, or not far from five and a half dollars a year. For the others the price is less. Advertisements and aid from families and associations make up the deficiency of the subscription.

The East India Company's Government in India expends annually a considerable sum of money for the purposes of native Education. We learn that, under the Bengal Presidency, which extends its rule or its influence over three fourths of the people of India, the various schools thus support"aed, are divided into three general classes— the Oriental-classical, the Anglo-vernacular, The proprietors of the paper known by and the Vernacular. In the first class, the the magnificent title, as above given, of Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian are the lan"the Full Moon of Intelligence, (Sam-guages in which the pupils for the most purna Chandroday,) lately projected a part pursue their studies; in the second, daily paper in the same language, a speci- the English is generally taught, and the namen number of which is now before us. tive languages, when used at all, are often It is entitled, somewhat more modestly in the Roman letter; in the third, the lanthan the preceding, probably as being deem-guage commonly spoken in the district ed but the early breaking of a flood of mental light, in process of time to shine forth from similar more extended efforts, "the Dawn of Intelligence," (Sambad Arunoday.)

where the school is established, is the one chiefly used, whether it be the Bengali, Hindui, or any other. The studies of the pupils in schools of the second class, are substantially the same as those of the more The Prabhakar must be noticed as one respectable mission schools, and correspond of the better issues from the native press. partly to those of respectable common Its earliest numbers contain much well-schools in this country; reading, writing,