Poetry. For the Calcutta Christian Observer. STANZAS. Dark flow thy tides, impassioned soul of man! A brother man? Oh no; that cannot be ! Glowed as the gems which mountain torrents sweep. Soon may those beams, those hallowed beams impart For till their brightness renovate the heart, The sword can ne'er be sheathed, the banner furled. Oh Thou! whose judgments are above the ken For wrathful sounds earth's slumbers break, as when To doff the mail, or mount the fiery car. Oft hast thou caused oppression's rod to bend, Let sceptics now by second causes trace Soon may the world those promised days enjoy, To dim the lustre of terrestrial love. The Cholera. B. I. For the Calcutta Christian Observer. HEAVEN. Know'st thou a land whence all sorrow is flown, Where Love speaks in music, where Death is unknown— Where the golden light gladdens founts, rivers, and bowers, More lovely, and O! more enduring than ours? Know'st thou it? Thither, O thither From care and from suffering with thee would I flee! II. Know'st thou the land, where our spirits shall soar, Thither, O thither From the storm, and the sin-blast, with thee would I go. III. Know'st thou that blessed land? Far though it seem, Know'st thou it? O were the death-summons come, And the wheels of the chariot to carry us home! For the Calcutta Christian Observer. STANZAS. Night's brilliant stars are marshalled on heaven's battlements, O'er the earth peering, like silver centinels, Sublime in function, in appearance beautiful, I could almost worship them. Glorious are these hosts, but supremely glorious Their myriads into being, and still controlleth them Yet the time cometh, yea it cometh speedily, Yet ne'er shall Time behold the righteous perishing; M. Missionary and Religious Entelligence. CALCUTTA. 1. BAPTISM OF BABOO GOPEENATH NUNDI. : On Tuesday evening, 14th December, another convert was admitted into the Christian Church, in the person of Baboo Gopeenath Nundi, a well educated young man, of respectable family. The ordinance was administered in Mr. Duff's Lecture Room, in the presence of a numerous and most respectable audience, amongst whom we observed a considerable proportion of Natives. After a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Mackay, the Baboo was questioned by Mr. Duff, as to his renunciation of idolatry, his belief in the truth of Christianity, his knowledge of its doctrines, and his resolution to follow and abide by them, to all of which he made clear and satisfactory answers, rendered impressive by the evident sincerity, and earnestness of his manner. Mr. Duff then administered the ordinance, after a short but solemn prayer; after which he addressed the Natives who were present, earnestly urging on them the reasonableness, and the necessity of at least inquiring into the truths of Christianity, and beseeching them from the example of some of the most talented among them, and the imminent danger of delay, to enter on the search at once. It was evident, that his words produced a considerable effect on many of them, and, we trust, that the impression will be permanent. There was indeed something peculiarly interesting in the circumstances connected with this public profession of the young convert. Perhaps inferior in ability to the two former, he was distinguished by a steady and unflinching application, certainly not less admirable and in the very trying scenes preceding his baptism, he displayed a resolution and devotedness of purpose seldom to be met with in one so very young. It may not perhaps be known to many of our readers, that his baptism had been postponed for a week, in consequence of his being imprisoned by his own family, who have since by an advertisement in the native newspapers, in the bitterest language, cast him off for ever. Having found means to apprize some of his friends of his situation, his brothers were threatened with an application to the magistrate; and, from fear of the consequences to themselves, let him out under a guard, with the promise of returning in the evening. Accordingly, though with a perfect knowledge of their intention again to confine him, and though the promise was extorted from him by force, he returned to his brother's house at the appointed hour, accompanied by some friends who might bear witness, if any violence was used to him. And here certainly the scene, as described by an eye witness, must have been particularly affecting. His brothers and neighbours gathered round him, persuading him to remain; from arguments they proceeded to threats and abuse; from abuse to the offer of bribes, unlimited command of money, perfect freedom of action and thought; nay, not the slightest objection to his belief in Christianity, if he did but stop short of the public profession. Finding all in vain, they made a strong appeal to his feelings, calling him by the tenderest names, putting him in mind of all that he was giving up, and telling him that he would break the heart of his poor old mother, who had but a few years to live. Just at that time, his mother, who was probably within hearing, broke out into a howl of agony, which none, who heard it, are likely to forget. The young man himself burst into tears, threw out his arms, and walked hastily away, saying, No, I cannot stay! Although he had made steady and satisfactory progress since he came under Mr. Duff's tuition, we were not prepared for a display of such decision and strength of character in so trying a situation. We pray that He, for whom he has forsaken all, may give him fitting recompeace, and make him a useful and a valuable servant in his own glorious work. 2.-DEATH And DepartuRE OF MISSIONARIES. It is with sincere regret we have to announce the death of the Rev. Mr. Higgs, at sea, on the 3rd December, on his passage from Malacca, where he had been for the benefit of his health. Mr. Higgs came to India, under the patronage of the London Missionary Society, about two years ago, and was stationed at Chinsurah. At this station, which is generally considered healthy, more Missionaries have suffered from the effects of the climate, than at almost any other station in India. It was first occupied by the London Missionary Society in 1800, and Mr. Forsyth labored there till 1816, when he entered into rest. Mr. May arrived in 1813, and died in 1818. Mr. Pearson joined Mr. May in 1817, and died in November, 1831. Mr. Harle joined the station in 1818, and died in 1821. Mr. Townley left Calcutta for Chinsurah in 1821, and was compelled to return to Europe in 1822. Mr. Mundy arrived in 1820, and was under the necessity of returning to England in 1828. We are happy to say Mr. Mundy's health was improved by the voyage, and he returned to India in November last.—Mr. Higgs joined the station in 1830, and died last month. The Rev. Mr. Tweedle, connected with the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, formerly stationed at Tallygunge, we regret also to say, died on the 12th December last. The Rev. Mr. Deer, of the Church Missionary Society, who labored very successfully at Culna, Burdwan, and Kishnagur, has been compelled through sickness to return to Europe. He embarked with his family on board the James Sibbald on the 20th December. The Rev. C. Piffard, of the London Missionary Society, on account of Mrs. Piffard's ill health, has returned to England on board the Bolton, and sailed on the 27th December. The Rev. J. Penney, of the Baptist Missionary Society, has returned in the same ship. Mr. and Mrs. Penney were both attacked with the jungle fever, when on a visit to Saugor Island, in 1828. Mrs. P. died within a few weeks of the attack, but Mr. P. partially recovered. His constitution received however such a shock, that a return to Europe was considered absolutely necessary. Mrs. George Pearce, wife of the Rev. G. Pearce, is also a passenger in the same ship, very ill. The Rev. Orlando T. Dobbin, of the London Missionary Society, whose arrival in India we announced in our 2nd No. is also compelled to return, on account of severe indisposition, which in the opinion of three medical gentlemen renders an immediate change of climate necessary to save his life. Mr. Dobbin will embark on board the ship Duke of Northumberland, on the 15th instant, The Rev. Amos Sutton, of the General Baptist Missionary Society, formerly stationed at Cuttack, is also under the necessity of leaving India for the benefit of his health. He expects to sail to America in the ship Fenelon. The Rev. James Wade, of the American Baptist Missionary Society, formerly stationed at Burmah, will sail in the same vessel. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wade have been dangerously ill with jungle fever, and nothing but an immediate change is considered likely to recruit their strength. 3.-BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION, CALCUTTA. An Annual Public Examination of the Pupils, belonging to the Benevolent Institution, in Bow-bazar, was held on Monday, the 24th instant, and on the subsequent day, (Christmas,) a Sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Leechman of Serampore College, and a collection made in the Lall-Bazar Chapel in behalf of the Institution. The Pupils to the number of about 150, were present on this occasion. This Institution was established 23 years ago, on Christmas-day, by the Serampore Missionaries. Its results have been beyond what could at first have been contemplated. It was thought, at the commencement of the undertaking, that 40 or 50 poor children, of Portuguese, East-Indian, and native families, who were wholly unprovided with the means of moral instruction, might be obtained and collected together every day; who, under the superintendance of a master and mistress, might be trained to exemplary habits and the useful pursuits of life. But soon after the undertaking became known, instead of 50, there were three times that number of children, of both sexes, in constant daily attendance on elementary instruction. The originators of this benevolent seminary, perceiving the benefits which were thus likely to ensue from it, to so large a portion of the poor, who otherwise would grow up in ignorance, thought proper to extend their designs further, and established similar Institutions in Chittagong and Dacca, which have been continued with very considerable success to the present time. It was stated by Dr. Marshman, iu a concise exposition, which he made after the Sermon, of the nature, objects, and progress of the Institution, that many of the pupils, who had received gratituous education in it, were filling, in different parts of the country, and in some of the eastern islands, useful situations, while others were pursuing various employments with both credit and profit to themselves. Several of them have becomes Missionaries, who having acquired a competent knowledge of the Bengalee language, have been, and continue to be, useful in the propagation of Christianity amongst the heathen. In the Girls' Department of the Institution, the system of education is of a nature adapted to the sphere of life which that class of the community will most probably occupy. The branches chiefly attended to, are reading, writing, and useful and ornamental needle-work. We regret to hear, that the Institution is in debt, and we hope, that individuals who feel an interest in objects of Christian benevolence, and in the education of the poor, will continue to afford their aid to an Institution which has effected so much good, and promises in its continuance to effect much more.-The Philanthropist. 4.-Meeting of the Bible AsSOCIATION. The eleventh annual meeting of the friends and supporters of the Calcutta Bible Association was held at the Town Hall on Friday evening, Jan. 4. A very large number of ladies and gentlemen assembled, and at half past seven o'clock, the Bishop, on the motion of the Reverend T. Dealtry, which was seconded by the Venerable the Archdeacon, took the chair. His lordship opened the proceedings of the evening by stating, that he had great pleasure in taking the chair as requested; the more so, as he had been for upwards of thirty years a member of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and a fellow labourer in the same cause. It afforded him great pleasure to know, that they had been so prosperous in their labours, and his intimate acquaintance with the British institution, enabled him fully to appreciate such Associations, which were the first and most efficacious means of disseminating the principles of Christianity. He had witnessed the benign influence of these institutions in the parish to which he had last belonged, and he did not doubt that they would be gratified, when the report was read, with a similar statement of the effects of the labours in this city. The principles of Bible Associations had always had his cordial support, and he did believe that all other means of grace were subordinate and secondary, when compared to the distribution of that holy book: sermons were good, but only so far as they were agreeable to its divine precepts; and it should be the first chief and paramount duty of every Christian to use his utmost efforts towards its dissemination. With respect to the difference of churches, he felt himself deeply convinced, that so long as they were founded on the first principles of the Bible, they would be sound in doctrine, however different they might be in practice. When the Bible had been once carried throughout India, the foundation would be increased and enlarged for Missionaries to work upon; but without this foundation, he felt that all means would be human, evanescent, and without effect. The Chairman then requested the Bible Secretary to read the report, from which it appeared, that the number of Bibles, Testaments, and detached portions of Scriptures issued from the Society's depository, during the year, amounts to one thousand and one copies, of which one hundred and four were Bibles, sixty-five Testaments, and eight hundred and thirty-two single Gospels and portions of the Holy Scriptures; which number, added to 31,591 copies, brought into circulation in preceding years, gives a total of 32,592 copies, distributed by the Association, since its formation. The Scriptures issued during the past year were printed in no less than ten different languages and dialects, namely, Hebrew, Syriac, Greek, Armenian, Persian, Hindoostani, Tamil, Bengali, French, and English. Funds. At the close of the preceding year a balance of Rs. 52-12 remained in favour of the association; during the year 1832 the sum of Rs. 2236-10 has been collected for the purposes of the association: the expenditure has been Rs. 1132-13, the sum of Rs. 500 has been paid to the treasurer of the Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society for the promotion of the general objects of the society; and the sum of Rs. 659-9 remains, to meet the expenses of the coming year. It was then moved by the Rev. Mr. Dealtry, and seconded by the Rev. Dr. Marshman, That the report now read be printed, and circulated among the members and friends of the Association.' Moved by the Ven. Archdeacon Corrie, and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Gogerly, 'That as it appears from the report, that several members of the Committee have actively exerted themselves in visiting the habitations of the poor, with the view of ascertaining their spiritual condition, and supplying them with copies of the Scriptures where wanted, and thereby promoting the peculiar objects of this Association, this meeting record their deep sense of the value of such labors, and strongly recommend a similar course of proceeding to all the members of the Committee.' Moved by R. D. Mangles, Esq. and seconded by Baboo Kristnamohon Bannerjea, That as it appears that of late the enemies of religion are making renewed and vigorous attempts to represent the Bible as a book inimical to inquiry, and the general liberties of mankind, this meeting record their conviction, that the Bible is the only instrument of awaking sincere inquiry, and of placing true liberty on an unchangeable basis; and accordingly resolve to persevere with increasing ardor in promoting its universal circulation.' Moved by the Rev. H. Fisher, and seconded by the Rev. A. F. Lacroix, That the thanks of the meeting be presented to the President and Office-bearers, who have conducted the business of the Association during the past year; and that the following gentlemen be the Committee and Office-bearers for the present year : Mr. W. Balston, Mr. H. Kyte, J. Richardson, J. Hill, D. Monty, and Baboo K. M. Bonnerjea. Bible Secretary. |