grammar, and other common studies are attended to; perhaps greater attention is given to astronomy, and to some branches of mathematics; at least, this we understand to be the character of the instruction given in the schools at Calcutta, Agra, Delhi, and some of the more important cities. erally correct, though not religious; it is that which is usually taught in our own schools. Now from these two things it is evident, that the influence of the government schools is strongly unfavorable to the Hindu religion. Correct knowledge on common subjects, if generally diffused, would itself lead to the overthrow of the shastras, and of the vast system of superstition which has been reared upon them. A Hindu youth, after seeing the absurdity of the theory of eclipses, as taught in the native books, cannot entertain much reverence for the whole class of writings, which all alike claim to be inspired by the gods. When, therefore, this correct instruction is given with all the weight of government authority, its influence is almost irresistible, and the learner soon begins to doubt, then to disbelieve, and finally to reject with ridicule, what was previously regarded as most sacred. This process is extensively going on at the present time, amongst the youths connected with these schools. Multitudes of them are becoming skeptical as to all divine revelation, many of them are already avowed infidels The first class includes ten schools, at six different cities or towns, containing at the beginning of 1837, 1008 pupils, and at the end of that year, 983-supported by a monthly expenditure of about $3600. The second class is far more important, having thirty-two schools at twenty-nine places, containing at the beginning of 1837, 3083 scholars, and at the end of that year, 3729 -supported by a monthly expenditure of about $8000. There are but six schools of the third class at as many places, containing at the end of 1837, 484 scholars supported at a monthly expense of $550. In all, at the end of 1837, the latest date to which we have any report, 5196 Hindu boys and young men were receiving instruction in schools, supported almost entirely by the government, and in all cases superintended by government officers; at twenty-nine different places, from Gowa--infidels with the morals and habits of hatti on the Burramputra to Ajmir in Rajputana; at an expense of about $150,000 a year on the part of the English govern ment. No native government in India ever attempted to provide systematically for the education of the people, nor was encouragement ever before offered to all classes, to seek after knowledge. The British government, in this respect, deserves high praise. What then is the influence of these government schools on the religion of the Hindus? This is the question which it most concerns the friends of missions to consid er. Two things only need to be mentioned, to show the influence of such institutions in India. First, the Hindus have already numerous books on many branches of knowledge, which are filled with the grossest errors and absurdities, but which are regarded by them as divine or sacred in their character. Even their geographical instruction which makes the earth a vast plain, having a lofty mountain in the centre, around which the sun revolves, and at great distances from which there are seven concentric oceans, of honey, melted butter, milk, &c., is considered not less divinely revealed than the records of the licentious amours of Krishnu, or the wonderful exploits of the Monkey-god, Hunooman. Second, without giving any opinion on the much disputed question concerning the merits of the course of education pursued by the government, it is sufficient to remark that the knowledge taught in them is gen heathens. For it is to be particularly observed that, in these schools, no instructions are given concerning the doctrines and duties of the Christian religion-the policy of the government in regard to the natives being that of entire non-interference with their religious faith and observances. Hence the influence of these schools is adapted only to undermine and to destroy the native superstition, but not at all to substitute for it our pure and heavenly faith. They are doing a part of the missionary's work, a most important part, that of showing the Hindus the errors of their present belief. And if the Church should employ qualified laborers in sufficient numbers to co-operate with this highly important providential agency, the work of the Lord, under his blessing, might go forward in India with a power and glory heretofore unexampled among the nations. There ought to be missionaries and teachers to place the peculiar doctrines and claims of Christianity before those, who have become convinced of the errors of heathenism, to build up the Christian Church when the Hindu Temple is demolished.-While we look with great encouragement, therefore, on these and other means of a providential character, by which God is pleased to remove obstacles and hindrances to the spread of his Gospel, we should at the same time be strongly urged to employ those means of grace, without which men cannot come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. MEETING OF THE GENERAL CONVENTION. The Baptist General Convention for Foreign Missions will hold their tenth triennial meeting in the meeting-house of the 1st Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, on the last Wednesday (28th) in April next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. The Rev. Richard Fuller, of Beaufort, S. C., is appointed to preach the sermon; the Rev. S. W. Lynd, of Cincinnati, O., to be his alternate. Baptist Missionary, Rooms,} January 1841. According to the 1st article of the By-laws of the Convention, as amended at the triennial meeting of 1888, such individuals and religious bodies as were then represented, are entitled to seats in the next Convention, by the contribution of $100 annually, or the payment of $300 at one or more payments, to its funds for each seat or representation; but individuals, or religious bodies, of the Baptist denomination, not heretofore members of the Convention, will become entitled to a seat or representation at the next meeting on the payment each of $100. * The design of this pledge is both to aid the Board in the immediate realization of funds, and also to relieve it from the injurious tenden-William Smith cies of uncertain fluctuations. May hundreds copy the example. D. A. Peck ,50 1,50 Mrs. Lydia Peck 1,00 Mrs. Mary Ann Davie 1,00 5,00 ,25 Mrs. Sarah A. Smith 5,00 A'sa'm. JOURNAL OF MR. BRONSON. Our last number contained extracts from a letter of Mr. Bronson, dated April 1st, 1840, giving a detailed account of his removal, with his family, from Jaipur to their new station among the Någa hills, and also of the school, containing some twenty or more scholars, established at that station. The present journal is dated "Nám Sáng Naga Hills," and extends down to June 22. The new missionaries referred to, are Mr. Barker and family, including Miss Rhoda Bronson, sister of Mr. B. It commences with Reflections-Visit from a head man Consultation with the natives. After a small present, and evidently appeared ashamed of his conduct. satisfying himself that the Naga youths had ability to learn to read, he left. The next day he sent to me for medicines. I took the opportunity to go myself, and pressed upon him the importance of embracing religion. When I told him of a dreadful hell, and a glorious heaven, he replied that "they knew nothing about those things, and were seeking after a true religion, and a true teacher." Upon his promising to come and hear the word of God explained, I left him. May 2 I am expecting daily to hear of the near approach of the new missionaries, and thinking it was time to prepare the minds of the people April 26. Sabbath. Spent the fore-chief and several of the head men of for their expected arrival, I called the noon in religious exercises with my the place together, and told them, that little family. Felt lonely and dismy former associate was killed near pirited, as I thought of the days when, Sadiya; that I had been alone until in Christian lands, we hailed the Sab- the present time; that I had recently bath morning-and were permitted to learned that others were coming to feast upon the rich provisions of the take his place; that I intended soon gospel in the sanctuary. We have never been quite so much alone as just and I wished to know whether they to go down to the plain to meet them; now, having always had some brother had any objection to their coming up missionary or at least some English person with whom to associate. But we must expect to be alone for many months to come, and much of the time without any means of intercourse with Jaipur or the plains below. Addressed my little congregation this evening from the first part of Christ's sermon on the mount. They were unusually attentive, and I hope the evening has not been spent wholly in vain. to be associated with me. This called 4. Received letters from Jaipur, also from the new missionaries stating that they must now be at or near the Dihing mukh, and requesting boats and men to assist them on their way as fast as possible. Being unwilling 27. Received a call from one of the head men of the place who has been most violently opposed to my remaining among them. He has not *Mr. Thomas. See last No. of the Magacalled for months previous. He brought | zine, page 86. VOL. XXI. 15 1 to remain longer without attempting | tendent of the Company's Tea Estabto assist them, I concluded to leave my lishment, T. O. Wadkins, Esq., genfamily, giving them over formally into erously assisted us to the use of an the hands of the chiefs for protection. elephant to go as far as the foot of the The Nágas gave me the use of a poor mountain. The circumstances of br. horse to help me over the most diffi- Barker's family did not allow of his cult parts of the way, and a number accompanying us. We reached the went with me by a new and circuitous Nám Sáng river about sunset, where I route over the hills. By this means, had prepared a rude shelter for the we avoided the largest stream, which night, not having any tent suitable for was then impassable. The first day's the occasion. The road was muddy, march was very fatiguing-and we and the rain made us very uncomfortalaid ourselves down at night in the ble. The next morning at sunrise we thick forest to rest, where we were in again set out, and at 3 o'clock, P. M. no small jeopardy from the tigers. reached the mission premises, both of We arose early next morning, and us having walked the greater part of the pursued our way over streams, and way up the mountain. A short distance hills, and valleys; the rain pouring from the premises, we met several of down in torrents. We reached Jaipur the scholars coming down to welcome toward night, thankful that we had us back, and to inform us that all was accomplished our journey in safety. well. How much better has the Lord I immediately made my way to the been to us than our fears! While spot dearest to me on earth, where some deem it imprudent to reside sleeps the dust of my departed asso- among so wild a people, the Lord has ciate (br. Thomas.) And oh, it was mercifully led us forward; and when sweet to commune with the dead! It duty called me to leave my helpless was sweet to think that perhaps his family for two weeks, He graciously emancipated spirit was accompanying inclined them to be protectors. At me through my lonely way; and that one time during my absence, some Soon we might be again reunited in fears were entertained in consequence the delightful employment of the up- of a disturbance with a neighboring per sanctuary. tribe; but the most spirited among the people told Mrs. B. not to fear, for they would all die in defending her. At another time an attempt was made May 8. Set out with a boat and to enter the house at night, probably four men down the Buri Dihing, to for plunder. The next night one of meet the missionaries. We passed them came with dah* in hand to guard rapidly down its swollen waters, near- the house, declaring that he would ly all the night. Next day the scenery seize the first person who appeared was much enlivened by numerous about the house as a thief, and cut large Bengali boats covered with Chi-him in pieces. Thus I have pretty namen, on their way to Jaipur, to be employed in the manufacture of tea. Our voyage continued during the day, and toward night I had the satisfaction of seeing before me the boat in which were our dear missionary friends. I will not attempt to describe the emotions excited by our meeting. Here were kindred in Christ"-members of the same family circle-a brother a sister, met in a foreign land, and devoted to the same hallowed and delightful work. We found the missionaries enjoying excellent health,-and every needed blessing. On the 13th of May we arrived with them at Jaipur, all well and happy. Arrival of the missionaries-Return to แ the hills. good reason to believe that my confidence in the fidelity of this people is not misplaced. The chiefs and people came flocking in to see the new missionary-and when told of the long distance she had come to teach them, they exclaimed, “Can it be that the lady has come alone all the way over the great waters? If she did it in safety, might we not go and visit the God looking race' and their wondrous country?" They often express a desire to visit America. 24. Sabbath. Had worship with my family during the day. In the evening we convened all our own attendants and a number of the Nagas, to whom I explained the 6th chapter of Matthew's gospel. I sometimes 18. After spending a few days in securing, as well as possible, my own and the mission property attached to my compound, I set out with my sister for the Hills. The superin- sword. * A large chopper or cleaver; used also as a |