since, he began to examine the chris- and despair. Having taken a little retian religion,-and is satisfied of its freshment we seated ourselves under truth, and believes in Jesus Christ for the broad blue vault of heaven, illumed salvation. When asked, why do you with ten thousand glittering stars, and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation? | the gentle rays of a vertical moon, to he replied, “He is the appointed Media-observe the monthly concert of prayer. tor between God and sinners." As a I thought of the many sweet seasons test, Is it not the duty of a true disci- spent with dear brethren and sisters in my ple to obey all the commands of Jesus loved native land; of their privileges Christ, particularly to confess him and responsibilities; of their prayers openly, whatever may be the conse- and pledges in behalf of the perishing quences? "True,” said he, “but Ongole heathen; and felt an assurance that they is a large place; there are no missiona- would be redeemed. We united in ries, no disciples of Jesus Christ there. singing "O'er the gloomy bills of darkWhat can I do?" This man we have ness," &c. and in supplicating the livjust sent back to his family with the ing God that he would shield us from whole of the New Testament, all the the rage of ungodly and unreasonable printed portions of the Old, aud a men, aud that he would open a wide choice selection of tracts. May the door for preaching and inculcating his quickening energy of the Holy Spirit holy word. Br. Day improved the ocaccompany them and the instruction casion in impressing upon the minds imparted while with us, that his soul of the natives present, the folly and may be saved at the coming of our guilt of idol worship, and the certain Lord Jesus Christ. During the erec- and awful doom awaiting all the maktion of the mission bungalow, the ers and worshippers of idols. number at morning worship has been large, and the attention generally good. | Impressions are being made which we hope will ultimately appear in an abundant harvest. The Lord enlarge our hearts, increase our faith, quicken our zeal, and confirm our hopes by visiting us with his salvation.

Having become exhausted, we at length sought repose, but the barking of the jackalls, and other novel and uncouth sounds, caused sleep to depart from us. arose in the morning, that few peoPerceiving, as we ple had come in during the night, we thought it probable that the number in attendance on this, would be much

Visit to an idol temple-Distribution of less than on the former occasion, and the scriptures and tracts.

we began to congratulate ourselves in the prospect of returning to N. with our books, and in visiting the people in their respective villages. Most of the day was spent in sweet, and I trust, profitable converse on Isaiah ii. 18-22, and Micah iv. 1-5. The Lord hasten the fulfilment of these glorious predictions. Towards evening we took a few tracts in our hands and went to the principal place of concourse, that our object might be known, and that we might make known the gospel; but as none manifested a desire to re

On the 3d of May after commending ourselves and families to the care of our kind Heavenly Father, we left the mission house at six o'clock p. m. for the Nursamaconda feast, at a distance of about ten miles from Nellore. By the light of the bright moon and stars we traced our path up the Pennar river, and across large rice fields to the foot of the mount, with little difficulty. Here we left our horses and commenced ascending the rugged mount; a walk of one half or one third of an bour brought us to the mission tent.ceive tracts, we passed on directly to One feels in approaching and ascending the mount, that he is in the region and shadow of death. If, indeed, the waut of order, natural and moral, of light and love, of peace and joy, of holiness and happiness, be characteristic of the world of darkness and death, then this place, and the scenes that annually occur here, are strikingly emblematical of the regions of endless misery

The probability is, that the attention to religious services was increased by the preparation of a place for worship.-ED.

the temple, which is Satan's stronghold. It is situated on a lofty eminence of one of the most eastern ranges of the Ghauts, and commands an extensive view of the surrounding country. No one presumes to know when it was built, nor when the numerous tanks in its vicinity were made. Its exterior surface exhibits the different incarnations of Vishnu, and furnishes a safe abode for bats, owls, and other doleful creatures. Nursamaconda signifies the mountain- of the lion-man ; or the incarnation of Vishnu partly in

manifested while br. Day expatiated upon the senseless and sinful nature of idolatry, the mercy and justice of God exhibited in the remedial dispensation, and what will be exhibited in the retributions of the final judgment. Most seemed convinced that an idol is nothing; that there must be an intelligent First Cause. But his nature and attributes are subjects that seldom occupy the mind of an idolater. We received repeated assurance that the scriptures distributed last year had been read, and that impressions had been made on the minds of some, at least, which we hope will in due time be to the praise and glory of God. During this last day, this great day of the feast, I realized to some extent what I had so often fancied when in my loved America, and felt more than compensated for the little sacrifice I had made. I felt it a privilege that an angel might covet, to bear the cup of salvation to the lips of dying heathen. I longed to be at

first expire, should my life be spared. During the three days spent at this feast we gave several hundred portions of scripture, only to such as could read, and to many from remote villages. Sure I am that the Board will unite with us in fervent prayer to our common Lord, that he will be pleased to bless the seed thus sown, to the pro

the form of a lion and partly in the form of a man on said mountain. But this incarnation is involved in the same obscurity as the temple and its appendages. The latter is the residence of the officiating brahmins, and is distinct from the massy tower in front. Its apartments are circumscribed by natural caverns, enclosed in a massy pile of huge rocks. Isaiah ii. 19-21, was forcibly impressed upon our minds. That dismal place, and those doleful creatures, and those senseless idols, will indeed be fit companions. "The idols he shall utterly abolish." Yes, "and their names shall be forgotten." | In the rear of the temple, we found the marks of a buman foot, much larger than the ordinary size, engraven on a rock. It is said to have been made by the wife of Vishnu when she fled from him for incontinency. Br. Day ask ed a brahmin, How long has this foot and this temple been here? Always, replied the haughty brahmin. The sin of deception, of falsehood and of idol-home in the language, but years must atry, and their certain consequence, were then pressed upon his conscience in view of a coming judgment. It is matter of deep regret that the Hon. East India Company should annually pay the sum of 700 company's rupees for the support of idolatry, as connected with this temple. O, when will a professedly christian government cease its connection with idola-duction of a glorious harvest. The try!-Numerous parties were now seen approaching and ascending the sacred mount, who ever and anon, as they came in sight of the temple, exclaimed, with a kind of fiendish frenzy," Govindu, Govindu," O Vishnu! O Vishuu! &c. This, with little cessation, continued during the night. The light of the next morning evinced that our apprehension on the previous day had been groundless, for thousands had come in during the night. The din that now constantly broke upon the ear, indicated the presence of a vast multitude, and was like that of a great city. At an early hour we appeared in the midst of this dense multitude with the word of life in our hands, and continned to sow the good seed of the among the A'samese. The place of their residence was undetermined at the period of our kingdom until the burning rays of a vertical sun obliged us to repair to our last published accounts. It was expected, as tent. Here, with scarcely any cessastated in the last annual report, that it would tion, appropriate portions of scripture be either at Jorhath or Rangpur, one the anwere read and expounded, and hun-cient and the other the present capital of that dreds distributed among the interesting part of A'sám. We learn, however, from Mr. groups of immortal beings who sur- Barker's journal, just received, and brought rounded the tent during the day. Good down to May 31, 1841, that the place finally attention and apparent interest were selected is Sibsagor.

harvest is indeed great, but the laborers are few. Would it were in the power of the Board to send us at least six laborers for this field. What are two missionaries among so many?

Asam.

JOURNAL OF MR. BARKER. Mr. and Mrs. Barker, and Miss Bronson, who sailed from this port in the fall of 1839, arrived at Jaipur in May 1840. Miss Bronson died, as has been before communicated, on the 7th of the following December. Mr. and Mrs. Barker were originally designated to the Nagas, but were subsequently instructed

to labor

On the 27th of Feb. 1840, Mr. Barker left | missionary station, in this respect, of Jaipur with Mr. Bronson, then sick of a fever, any one in the district, if not in Upper for the purpose of visiting Sibsagor, for medi- A'sám. There is no European residing cal advice, which they reached after a journey here now. It formerly was the head of five days, Mr. B. being very sick. From quarters of the nobility before they this sickness, however, he recovered after a few occupied Sibsagor. Sibsagor has 4,000 weeks, under the care of Dr. Furnell, an Eng- inhabitants. It presents a field next lish physician. Mr. Barker, when his assoin importance. It is near the tea planciate in missionary labor had so far recovered tation, and will doubtless continue to as to allow of his absence, visited a number of increase rapidly. It is now in many the other principal towns. This he did for the the advantage of a physician, and the respects the most promising. It has two-fold purpose of distributing the scriptures principal civil and military operations and tracts, and for making observations as to of the district. the place most suitable for a settlement.

Mr. Barker kept a journal of his observations during this tour, which for want of room we must omit, except bis remarks upon the geography of the country, and a single passage from the record made at the close of the first day, which gives some little insight into the trials of missionary life. They travelled in a

small canoe.

Br. Bronson is very sick this evening, and proposes to return. Weather very warm, and to-night violent rain, with thunder and lightning-a gloomy night. Trying circumstances. There is but little hope apparently for br. B. should we go back; and to go forward there are five days' journey before we can reach Sibsagor-but there is hope. Find relief and comfort in prayer on the solitary sand bank, and can now commit all into the hands of God with some satisfaction in believing it is his will that we go forward.

Some of the principal places visited by Mr. Barker besides Sibsagor, were Jorbath and Debrugur. We extract from his journal the following, which are the concluding remarks respecting what he did and observed during this journey.

delightfully pleasant, and I think a Debrugur on the Brahmaputra is a healthful place. It commands a fine view of the snowy mountains. Should Muttack be made a missionary field, this would be the spot for the missionary to focate himself. It is only one day's journey by boat above the mouth of the Dehing, but is accessible by large days' journey. beats. Jaipur from the same point is six Muttack, from what I saw of it in going overland from the Dehing to Debrugur, and from Debrugur to Tingrai-mukh, and from the best information I can get, has a sparse population. Besides it is low, and to a great extent uncleared, and consequently it would be rather hazardous for a missionary to go into it to reside, until some of the jungle is cut away.

Determination to remove to Sibsagor.

April 14. This evening presented the subject of locating myself at Sibsagor to the brethren, and it was approved.

66

May 2. Lord's-day. 'Day of all the week the best." All our number present at communion season, a sweet and heavenly time. We may not all Distributed between eight and nine now to be separated from our only enjoy this ordinance again. We are hundred tracts in the A'samese, Ben-christian associates on earth. The gali and Hindustani languages, among them were a few gospels in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Lord reigns, and let the Lord do what seemeth him good. If he thus appoints for us here below; he does not so above. He there separates his, nei

his. Let our souls be comforted with this. We shall soon be with him, if we are his.

I think I have before said that the population of this district had been esti-ther from himself, nor those who are mated at 700,000. I believe this to be not far from the truth. These are settled in the southern and western parts of the district not near to the Bralimaputra, or near to the hills; but in a central position and about an equal distance from both.

Jorbath is nine miles inland, on a small river, and contiguous to this thickly settled portion of the district, and in my opinion affords the best

18. Left Jaipur with my family for Sibsagor. Reached the Dikho, Friday morning about nine o'clock, and a large Doom village in the evening. Here gave away seven copies of the True Refuge in A'samese.

22. Stopped near Sibsagor.
23. Lord's-day-Spent in our boat,

confined and alone, but not, we trust, | uable, and as the salvation of Christ is altogether forgotten.

24. About twelve o'clock, reached our place of destination, and future residence.

25. Distributed eighty-seven tracts to visiters.

26. Gave away 128 tracts, all to persons who called; among them were several gospels. These people, many of them, could read and speak two languages; a large number of the the Bengali and A'samese. May God for the sake of his Son condescend to regard these incipient efforts, and bless his truth to the conversion of their souls.

Appeal in behalf of the mission.

Dear brethren and fathers, and those whom you represent, before closing this article allow me to ask if you cannot do something more for these 700,000 A'sáinese? Can our hearts be cheered, and our hands be strengthened, by an increase of our numbers?

pre-eminent? Yea, and the only efficacious remedy for the soul's disease. Are not other portious of the wor'd and the missionary field even, better supplied with missionaries? How shall we answer it? I ask for the people, and in their behalf, why are the missionaries withheld? I ask in view of the preciousness of the gospel to our own souls, and in view of our purchase by blood-by precious blood. How shall we auswer it? And must I remain alone at this station? It was not the sense of the brethren that I ought to take the Naga field in the present state of the mission. It could not be expected that I should remain at Jaipur. I have asked you to allow me to labor for the A'sámese, and I learn from a letter received by br. Bronson, that it is referred to the brethren. I take this opportunity to say it is perfectly satisfactory to me. I have desired to go where God would have me; feeling quite sensible that it would not only avail nothing to do otherwise, but terminate in disappointment and shame.

With these feelings I have tried to act, praying God to hedge up my way, and let darkness fall upon my path when I would go wrong. And now I humbly hope it is by the wise and good providence of God that my lot is cast here. I am alone, in a great and interesting field, and I beg you to think of me and mine, and pray for us, and send us help if you can.

Reason for removing to Sibsagor. Some of the reasons which have actuated me in taking this place in preference to Jorhath, are the follow

This is an interesting field, and it is ready for the harvest. No thundering edicts are promulgated against our entering it; but the doors are thrown wide open. The people are in peace, and none molest or make afraid. A beginning has been made. Books are circulated, and the people are becoming interested to know what they contain. A great many who can read, and a great many by hearing them read, have become acquainted with their contents, and wish to know more about the religion of Christ. I was asked to-day how long it was since Christ was crucified? also, how they could know more about our religion unless we taught them? I was remind-ing. The village itself is about as ed of a question before asked by a large as Jorhath, from the observation heathen, viz. "If Christ had been cru- I have been able to make, but not so cified 1800 years, why have we not near to the main body of the people by heard of it before?" Also, of an inquiry one day. This is in part made up by made by one, moved by the Holy Ghost, the growing state of this place and "How shall they believe in him of vicinity, in consequence of its contiguwhom they have not heard? How can ity to the tea gardens, etc. Also in they hear without a preacher, and how part by the facilities of travel secured can they preach except they be sent ?" by the good state of the roads. Two Shall one translator, one printer, one hours ride from this, will bring me to preacher, and one preparing to labor the Brahmaputra, by a new road on the in such a capacity, be all this people banks of the river, on which there are shall have? How shall we answer several small villages. Two days ride it? How will young men for the will take me to Debrugur. The same ministry answer it? Can we remain to Jaipur, when the roads are open. silent and be guiltless? Can this Two hours to Norerath, a place above claim on us who bave committed our-named. And one day to Jorhath. selves by entering this field, be of 2. The populous part of Lukimpore, a trifling importance? Is it not momen-zillah on the opposite bank of the tous in consequence, as the soul is val- ! Brahmaputra, can be visited from this

There is a hospital and jail-for these, brick edifices are in progress. A government school is to be estab-versation with a large number of coolished immediately, similar to that in Gowahath, in which English, and Bengali are to be taught.