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true, but that their minds are dark, and they shall understand after they have learned to read our books."

Practicability of the mission-Appeal to the Board in its behalf.

In conclusion, I see nothing in the people or in the mission that is particularly discouraging. In God every thing is to be hoped for. The experiment of laboring and living among them has now been fairly tried, and that, too, in the worst season of the year; and I can truly say that in my opinion, a missionary and family may reside among them the year round, provided he has health, and such conveniences as might be easily supplied.

the first part of his time in preparing books. This of itself is no inconsiderable work. It is indeed an essential work; are the people benefited by it, unless but grant that he does it well-how another brother is employed to teach these books to the people-to carry out and enforce these truths by itinerating, by schools, by familiar conversation; and, above all, by the public preaching of the word, to kindle up the spirit of inquiry among the people? Besides, the Board will not, I am confident, be unmindful of the liability of every such mission to be interrupted, or wholly broken up by sickness and death. I entreat them to take this subject into consideration, and say whether the Singphos shall be given up, or the Nágas? Whether the duties of these two departments shall be thrown so heavily upon the hands of a single individual, or whether they will give the assistance of two or three more missionaries? O God, pity these perishing tribes, and dispose the Board of missions to send them help!

Our readers will learn with regret, from the subjoined extracts, of a later date than the above, that Mr. Bronson has been compelled, by repeated attacks of illness, to leave his station among the hills, for a time, at least. It is hoped, however, that his absence will be only temporary, and that his health will, ere long, be so far restored as to enable him to return to the field of his labor. The faithful missionary is subjected to many severe trials, but to none, perhaps, more painful than the loss of health and the consequent interruption of those labors to which he has devoted his life, aud to the success of which, with the blessing and favor of God, he is to look for his only reward in

Many of the difficulties we now experience, are in consequence of our being first in venturing among the people, and must rapidly diminish with the increase of population and commerce, in the country. The tea, and salt springs of the hills, already attract public notice, and it may not be rash to predict important changes among the people, within a short period of time, in political and commercial affairs. May we not be behind in efforts to convert them to Jesus and to a knowledge of his gospel! May not the Hindu and Brahmin superstitions be rivetted upon them, because we act so supinely, and none are ready for the labor of instructing them in the right way! To the Board I present my petition-a petition for help a man for the Nagas and also one for the Singphos. This state of things distresses me. And why should it not? Are not souls in A'sám as precious as in Christian lands? And if there were as great multitudes in those Christian countries as profoundly ignorant, stupid, and degraded We trust that the earnest appeals for more as are these heathen, would not feeling laborers, contained in this and the following be enlisted for them? What are my communications, will be listened to with solemu present prospects for assistance? Six attention by all who feel any interest in the months for this letter to reach its des- missionary cause. The Board would gladly tination-six months more to procure do more, but they have not the power. They Inissionaries-nine months for them to caunot go farther, in the appointment of missionarrive at this place-and two years at aries, than the means placed in their hands by least to become located, and to acquire the churches to sustain them, will allow. If enough of the language to itinerate, these pressing calls for more missionaries, which and to carry out successfully the truths contained in the few books we have come to us from almost every station, are to be been able to prepare. Here are nearly answered, it must be by those who have the four years before any one can be said Savior's command, "Go ye into all the world" to be prepared to be an "assistant."—and by those whose duty it is to furnish, out And I beseech the Board to consider at what a great loss of influence a single missionary labors in his field. It always falls to the lot of one to employ

this world.

of the abundance which God has given them, the means necessary for their support. Upon these-upon our brethren—the members of our churches, the responsibility must rest.

The letter given below is dated Jaipur, Oct. | said "I am old-perhaps I shall never 4, 1840.

Continued illness—Removal to Jaipur. My last letter was dated Aug. 25th, in which I mentioned the improved state of my health. Since that time it has pleased God again to try us by sickness; I have not only been brought low, and debarred from all missionary work for nearly three months, but am now suffering from other weaknesses, induced by the frequent attacks of fever, which have cut off my hopes of being able to continue in the field for some months to come. The thought of leaving our station among the hills alone, has been a very trying one, and I have remained in painful suspense as to the path of duty for some time past. I am, however, inclined to believe that, under existing circumstances, duty to myself and the cause of God, requires that I relinquish the labors of the mission for the present, and try to restore my health by a change of air and diet. I have, therefore, come down to this place with my family. We arrived yesterday, and hope to be able to leave for a tour on the river in the course of two or three weeks. We intend to proceed as far as Calcutta, and perhaps farther, should it still seem to be duty. My sister's health appears to be improved, and she will spend her time during our absence in the study of the language, and in teaching whatever number of scholars she may obtain.

Regrets at leaving the Naga station.

It is indeed an affliction to us to be obliged to leave our field of labor destitute of any one to carry on its operations, particularly so, when we think of the difficulty with which we had obtained a footing among the peoplethe interest of the scholars in their books-and the kind feeling manifested by the people toward us from day to day. On hearing of our intention to leave, many came to express their regret; and the day previous to our departure, the chiefs assembled at my house and desired me not to stay away longer than was necessary, but to return and complete what was begun in the school.

They said they had considered me as their religious teacher and guide; and had received nothing but good from my hand ever since I had lived among them. The old chief, then pointing to four of his sons present,

see you again, but these my sons will remain-don't forget them;" and turning to his sons, said—“You, my sons, don't reject the counsel and direction of the sahib; always do accordingly and you will prosper." The scene was truly affecting to me, and I felt a greater attachment to them than ever. The chief sent out to the villages and obtained coolies to carry down my baggage; and the young chief and his nephew accompanied us all the way. O that there were some one to continue the school, and to enter at once into the labors we are obliged to leave! O God! may this infant mission yet live before Thee!

Disappointment-Prospects of the mission-Earnest appeal for more laborers.

Nov. 6th. Having taken the advice of the brethren, and arranged all affairs for a short absence for the benefit of my health, your letter of July 3, 1839, arrived, informing us that the brother we expected at Gowahati, “had declined the service." Nothing was said about others being sent, while at the same time letters from Maulmain informed us of the failure of the health of several of the missionaries, and that some had gone home. I thought of our thinned ranks of the state of this mission-and my heart sunk within me. Though I feel that nothing short of the change and respite I had contemplated will do me essential service, yet I cannot leave under present circumstances; and have concluded to remain until my fever again seizes me, which I fear will be at the setting in of the next rainy season. By this arrangement I hope to be able to do a little missionary work during the cool season, and if I am obliged to leave, to be absent a shorter time than I originally designed.

Why is it that Christians are so deaf to the calls of the heathen? Can God look down with approbation upon the American Israel, and see His treasury but too scantily supplied, and scarcely an individual ready to fill the broken ranks of their brethren in heathen lands? In reference to this particular country, how loudly have the American Baptists been called upon to act! Originally invited into the field by the executive of the country, with the promise of their protection and support; and afterwards urged to enlarge their operations as fast as possible, the Christian public in America are called

The circumstances of her last sickness and

death, are thus described by her bereaved

brother.

With a heavy heart I sit down to inform you that death has again entered our little circle, and torn away from us my dearly beloved sister. She died on the 8th inst., from the effects of repeated attacks of fever-having been with us nearly eight months, during seven of which she was for the greater part of the time enfeebled by disease. On the 8th of October she was again attacked with fever. Her illness was severe, and for a number of days did not yield to medicine. At length the fever left her very low, with an obstinate bowel complaint, which rendered her case a complicated and difficult one to manage. No physician was ob

upon to undertake this "work and labor, the first attack of illness which almost immeof love" in good earnest; and espe- diately followed, are mentioned in the May cially so, since the English Baptists number of the Magazine, pp. 114, 116. From have given the stations they had before this first attack she never fully recovered, and occupied, to us, and begged us to pos- after a brief residence of only a few months in sess ourselves of the whole field. Its the country, she died at Jaipur on the 8th of contiguity also to the great field in Dec., 1840. Burmah and China cannot be forgotten. The narrow strip of country between this and those countries, although inhabited by uncivilized tribes, must be thrown open to us ere long. The first war will doubtless do it, and as soon as Burmah is opened again to our missionaries, we may hope to establish connecting links with the great Hukúng valley, by which our influence will be brought to bear upon a vast extent of country, and a great number of tribes of people. I confess I have felt astonished that no better provision has been made for this great field, and that from all the revivals of religion which have blessed our native country, none have come forward to obey the Savior's last command in reference to this people. Are we willing,-are the Baptist churches of America willing that A'sam, after having been giv-tainable; the brethren were absent en to us, and partially occupied by us, shall be abandoned? Must the more important stations, such as Gowahati, Nogong, Terzpur, Jorháth, and all Matták be given up? Must the multitude of Singphos and Khamptis, and with them the great Hukúng valley, be unoccupied, and the vast Nága population also be thus neglected and unblest by the gospel, when God is saying to us "Go up and possess the land ?"`

The deaths of the lamented Reed, Thomas, and Hall seemed to have made a temporary impression upon the minds of many in America. Information reached us that a large number of young brethren, from the colleges and seminaries, were devoting themselves to the work; and we were encouraged to hope that we were about to see a great increase of laborers. But where are they? How many have actually come? Shall I ask how many have declined the service, and left the heathen to perish in their sins? Iblush when I ask the question. O God! is this all the return that thy people make thee-those who are the purchase of the Savior's agonies?

Death of Miss Bronson.

A subsequent letter, dated Dec. 10, brings the painful intelligence of the death of Miss Rhoda Bronson, the sister referred to in the preceding pages. Her arrival in A'sam, and

from the station, and my supply of medicines scanty. Under such a responsibility, you can better imagine than I can express the anxiety I felt, while I saw that an inveterate disease was baffling all my attempts to restore her. She continued to sink away from week to week, until she became perfectly helpless-the mere skeleton of her former self. During the last month of her life, I had the privilege of being with her, by day and night; and during all this time she never uttered a murmuring word--not the least unreconciliation to God's dealings with her. She felt persuaded that she had not long to live, and said to me, "You must part with me soon." Often she spoke of arrangements she desired should be made, if she should not recover; and on one occasion, while I was carrying her emaciated form into a little room that I had just finished for her accommodation, she said, "Have I come in here to live or to die?" But she generally refrained from saying much to me, because she saw it was painful to my feelings; she however conversed freely with Mrs. Bronson, and other members of the mission.

As she had a vigorous constitution, I indulged a strong hope that she would recover. Indeed I could not feel that God would take away any more of our little number while the field remained

dying messages, and disposed of her "all in this world," she addressed herself to meet the "king of terrors" with all the composure that she used to manifest in performing her daily duties.

The funeral was attended on the day following. All the brethren were absent except br. Barker, who only arrived in season to be present on the mournful occasion. Every gentleman at the station met with us. At the house br. Barker read the story of Lazarus, and offered up prayer. We also sang Dr. Watts' excellent hymu, "Why do we inourn departing friends;" after which the corpse was borne to the grave by six gentlemen. At the grave our kind sympathising friend, C. A. Bruce, Esq., read the burial service with great feeling. As she requested, she lies by the side of the lamented Thomas, in my own compound, close by my house, where I trust her remains will quietly rest, until the glorious morn of the resurrection.

so uncultivated; and not grant the desire which she so many years had felt, to do something toward the conversion of the heathen. But on Sunday, Dec. 6, she was so low that I was obliged to give up all my hopes. This night, about 12 o'clock, I perceived that her breathing was laborious, and that she took her food and medicine with difficulty. At intervals her mind was wandering also, and I feared we were indeed "soon to part" with her. Mrs. Cutter and Mrs. Barker came in a little after the dawn of day, to see her. She was so changed that I asked Mrs. C. whether it was from weakness, or whether death was approaching. I knew not that she heard me; but in a moment, looking full in my face, and with a most heavenly smile, she said, “It is DEATH, Miles, and what we have to say, let it be said quickly." I will not attempt to describe the feelings of that moment. A sudden gush of sorrow burst forth from every one present. Death had seized his victim. A moment only was to close up all the conversation we were to enjoy in this world. She said, "her hope in Jesus and his righteousness was unshaken." "With me all is well. I have no fear of death. Tell my friends in America that I do not regret having come to this country." She bade me say to the Board, "that she had hoped to have answered their expectations-that she should be glad to live a little longer to do something for the heathen-but she had given her all, and felt that God had accepted it." She labored to say more, but after mentioning over the names of her most endeared friends in America and in this country-the church of Newport, to which she belonged; and after designating a few articles to be sent to her friends, as tokens of her affectionate remembrance in the dying hour, her strength failed her. Her breath grew shorter and shorter until 4 o'clock, P. M., when she sweetly felled by seeing those fiuits of our labors asleep in Jesus, without a struggle or a groan.

"Weep not for her! she's an angel now,

And treads the sapphire floors of Paradise,
Victorious over death, to her appears
The vista'd joy of heaven's eternal years.
Weep not for her!"

We all felt that it was a privilege to be present to see the victory over death so completely won, and to see another proof that religiou could disarm the inonster of his sting. She had no raptures, no ecstacies; but her mind was in "perfect peace." Having given her

It will be remembered by the Board that we are again left alone. New plans have been formed, with the expectation of more laborers-additional work begun, which we must now suspend. Whether we shall be able to resume them or not, will depend upon the question whether help is to be sent us or not. Cannot a few laborers be sent to the A'samese, Nágas, and Singphos, soon, to cheer our hearts and to strengthen our feeble hands?

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. CUT

TER, DATED JAIPUR, OCT. 8, 1840.

Health of the missionaries-Schools--
Spirit of Inquiry-Letter of a pupil.

Our little mission has been called to meet with many discouragements since its commencement at Sadiyá in 1836, and we have not yet been cheer

which we have ardently desired. Still, when we trace the progress of some other missions from their commencement, and remember the promises of an unchangeable and all-powerful God, we feel encouraged to go on in our work in the strength of the Lord of missions; keeping in mind the assurance, "My word shall not return unto me void"-" In due time ye shall reap if ye faint not."

Br. and sister Brown left Calcutta about the middle of August, on their return to A'sam. They have been cull

ed to suffer much afiliction, and both of them were in poor health when they left Calcutta. We pray that all their afflictions may be sanctified to them, and that they may soon be permitted to resume their important duties here. Br. and sister Barker continue to enjoy excellent health, and are making rapid progress in the A'samese language. The "Vocabulary and Phrases," which was published about the time of their arrival, has, I am happy to hear them say, been of the greatest assistance to them in making a beginning in the language. It has probably saved them several months of time and study. A great object will, therefore, be gained by its publication, if only three or four missionaries are thus assisted in commencing their studies.

Mrs. Cutter still carries on her school. There are thirty names on the list, and an average attendance of from, twenty to twenty-five, including our apprentices. Five of the boys were formerly in sister Brouson's school, which she had when at Jaipur. The rest are new boys which have been collected, together with seven or eight who were in Mrs. C.'s school at Sadiya. I also have a school of fifteen boys at a Fakiál village, three or four miles below this. The Fakials are Shyans, nearly the same as the Khamtis.

We have worship in A'samese nearly every evening, at which we read a portion of Scripture, make a few remarks, and close by prayer. From thirty to forty are usually present. On Sabbath afternoons I generally go through the place, and wherever I can collect a few people, I read and converse with them about their souls. Last Sabbath I had two collections of people, of about thirty in each. People occasionally call at our house, and hear some of the words of eternal life. Occasionally applications are made for books. The people begin to discuss the subject of our religion, and the brahmins are beginning to be alarmed, and use every effort to excite prejudice and opposition in the minds of the people. This will, we trust, all result in good.

Some of the oldest boys in the school appear to be fully convinced of the absurdity of the Hindoo religion; and this year they refused to join in the festivals as they formerly did. They are among the most respectable lads in this section of the country, and if any of them should, by the blessing of God, become converted, it would exert a

very great influence throughout the place. Pray that the spirit of God may touch their hearts.

The older boys in the school are required daily to write a note in English, which proves of great assistance to them in acquiring a knowledge of English; and they frequently express their minds on subjects in writing, which they would not think of expressing to us verbally. The following is a copy of one of their notes, writ en at the commencement of the Durga Puja festival, which has just closed.

"Jaipur, 29th Sept., 1840. "To my teacher, Mrs. Cutter.

66

Madam,-I was very sorry last night because I could not, for a long time, think of any news to write. Now all Hindú men are very happy, because they have found their holidays; and they hope to worship Durga, and eat as many things as they can. But we will not do so, like them, because we understand a little of God's command, which he tells in the New Testament. This is true, but they do not believe; they mind only Durga, and they never think it is too bad to worship idols. They will feel very glad for four or five days, and when the holidays are over they will be very sorry.

"Your obedient servant,

"RAMSAGAR."

These boys have heretofore always been foremost in the ranks on holidays like these, but this year they voluntarily staid at home, and employed their time in working in a little garden, reading, writing, &c.; although the brahmins tried very hard to persuade them to join the ceremonies, and reproached them with believing the words and books of the padres sahibs. O that they might become genuine followers of the Lamb! One small lad, I sometimes hope, has been led to look to Jesus for salvation.

Jaipur, as a mission station.

The population of Jaipur is small, but a great many men come for employment from different parts of the country. A gentleman informed me, a day or two since, that 500 men were to be sent up here by the Government, to be employed in making improvements at Jaipur and vicinity, and sinking some wells for pretroleum. Isuppose a hundred, more or less, arrive here every day, stop one night, and then proceed to the Nága hills for salt.

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